Roberta "Dutchie" Fuller Vranas

On June 12, 2019, Roberta Fuller Vranas “Dutchie” left this earth after 90 years to be with Thomas, her husband of 73 years and other family and friends in a richly-deserved paradise.She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Vranas on May 19, 2019. She is survived by two sons; Thomas L. of Hampton, VA. And John B. of Phoenix AZ; four grandchildren; Thomas L, Jr of NC, Dawn of CO, Alexander of WA and Jessica of VA.; three great-grand-children; Corinne, Kylee, and Chloe all of VA.; one sister Kathryn of MD.  She entered this life, Roberta Fuller, in the town of Phoebus, Elizabeth City County (now Hampton), Virginia. She was born into the Fuller clan, a large and prominent family with many cousins in Phoebus. She had 7 siblings, all girls. The depression was in full force when Dutchie was very young. Her parents worked many jobs to support them. Her mother worked in the local cleaners, and her father was a jack of all trades. Dutchie made many trips to a charitable house to obtain food for their struggling family. They lived near the iconic Phoebus water tower and watched it being built. After the depression, the US was preparing for war. Fortress Monroe was nearby with many soldiers posted throughout strategic locations such as the Phoebus Water Tower. She remembered sitting on the wall of the National Cemetery watching the quiet interment of German U-boat sailors killed in nearby waters. Due to a tragic accident one sister needed emergency care. Blood was near impossible to get, so many soldiers donated their blood. Because of this generous act, Dutchie allowed soldiers free entry into the Lee Theater, where she worked.  Traveling to Buckroe Beach via trolley in the summer months made for happy times. Dutchie left school to work and help the family survive. In her teens, she loved to dance and traveled to the dance pavilion at Buckroe Beach and the Chamberlain Hotel. This led to the meeting of her future husband, Thomas Vranas originally from New York City now working at NACA Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory.  Roberta and Thomas were married in Newport News on November 1, 1946. A year later, their first son, Thomas, was born. Ten years later she bore a second son, John. The Langley center offered entertainment nights for its employees and guests. Employees and their families were multi-talented leading to musical numbers. Dutchie, Ruth and Kathryn were excellent singers and put on many shows during these years, sometimes dressed for a particular theme.  She supported her husband's interests in sports, youth activities, and civic affairs. She was on fast-pitch softball teams he coached along with other Fuller girls. She learned to bowl at the Mayflower Bowling Alley in Phoebus and was a member of the first Women's Bowling League in the area. She continued to bowl at other lanes and participated in tournaments as far away as San Antonio, Texas. She was primarily a homemaker but worked at several places such as the Maida Development Plant, Avon Distribution, and Leggett’s Department Store. Dutchie was accomplished at sewing and crafting. Her sons had their clothes hand-made by her. For many years, she made adjustments to designs and created outfits for her sisters and family, including Halloween costumes. Many of her creations were winners in costume contests.  When she was five, she became a life-long member of Lacrosse Presbyterian Church. During that time she was active in the choir and using her skills as a seamstress made and repaired many items such as the curtains, choir robes and the preacher’s robe.  In her waning years she played Bingo. Here she made new friends and was missed when she was unable to attend. She usually broke even or made enough to cover the trips and buy special occasion gifts for family.  A function now missed by all the family was going to "Mema's" (her mother, Sally Fuller) in Phoebus for Sunday dinner and fellowship. The men would watch sports on the television, and the kids went out to find and play with their friends. She looked forward to the Christmas gatherings, visits by family, and the daily or weekly phone calls. Decorating for holidays was a passion and friendly competition with her sister, Kathryn.  An avid reader she began with printed books then became accustomed to the digital world by using her Kindle to borrow books. Her favorite subjects would have a historical basis for the story. She enjoyed the stories and photos of her sons' travels and their children's endeavors. When learning that she may be related to a Mayflower Pilgrim, she began her research. Many hours and documents were read and/or copied. Although she did not finish her search, the information indicated her family, the Fullers, had a very strong chance of being related.  Dutchie was a dog lover and seemed to never be without the company of one. Many came under her care until their passing. She worried about her latest companion, Sammy (a beagle), rescued about a year earlier and was relieved when a young family offered Sammy a loving home.  During her husband's final months she lost her balance in a store and was rushed to hospital where it was discovered she had cancer. After the passing of Thomas, her health began to wane. She was placed in hospice at her home receiving excellent care until her passing. She passed peacefully in the evening with family members at her bedside.  She touched many lives, both family and friends. All will miss the anchor to this family and pray for a peaceful journey re-connecting with those she loved and who loved her.

A memorial service will be held at Lacrosse Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1518 N Mallory St, Hampton on June 22, 2019, at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division in her memory.

http://www.co.isle-of-wight.va.us/animal-services/iowac-wish-list/ or

http://www.co.isle-of-wight.va.us/animal-services/pay-animal-services-online/

Two passages she saved for this day:

Until We Meet Again

I now know the beauty of life,

And understand the deepest sorrow,

I know the soaring of heartfelt joy,

And the hope of tomorrow

I now know each step,

Faith sees you through,

I now know the meaning of love,

With the memories of you,

Although we are apart,

Our journey never ends,

It continues on with love uniting us,

Until we meet again. (Author unknown)

Grief

Grief never ends,

But it changes,

Its a passage,

Not a place to stay,

Grief is not a sign of weakness,

Nor a lack of faith,

It is the price of Love. (Author unknown).