Elizabeth Chappell Dashiell

Elizabeth Chappell Dashiell passed away peacefully at sunrise in her home on August 2. She was 84. Born June 23, 1941, she was the only daughter of Rebecca Hankins Chappell and Charles Bennett Chappell. She was predeceased by her parents and granddaughter, Olivia Hope Dashiell.

Depending on the time you knew her, she was called Elizabeth, Lizzie, Liz, Mom and Gammy. Elizabeth was raised in her family's apartment on Spotswood Ave in Norfolk's West Ghent. At age 7, Elizabeth began attending St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, where she would remain a parishioner for life. She attended Taylor Elementary, Blair Middle School and Maury High School. She was a graduate of Madison College, now known as James Madison University. While at Madison, her claim to fame as a social chair was the discovery of The Smothers Brothers!

Childhood friends nicknamed her Lizzie at a young age, and she would continue to be called that by her closest friends. As a senior in college, a mutual friend introduced her to Brock, whom she would go on to marry, make memories, especially with friends and neighbors, and raise a family.

In her professional career, colleagues and new friends would call her Liz. Liz touched countless children as a teacher and classroom teacher for Norfolk Public Schools. At one point she was selected to fulfill a three-year commitment helping teachers facing classroom challenges in all of Norfolk's public schools. After 35 years, she retired and worked as a part time resource teacher at the Williams School, where she continued to form many special relationships with colleagues, children and families. She truly was a Master Teacher.

As a mom, she was always present. Summers were spent at the pool and beach with homemade tupperware popsicles! Christmases were magical and every holiday had its own traditions.

Without a doubt, her favorite season in life was as Gammy. She loved her grandchildren with her whole heart. The special relationships she created with each of them is a gift that will continue to bring them joy. She gave in abundance her time, presents and "lectures".

We will always remember her love of many things. Her Mahjong group of decades, her years with "The Ladies", Doumars, Kenny Rogers, desserts, the beach house, her house and her flower gardens. Her family will continue to fulfill the values she instilled: family first, a strong work ethic, save money and be of service.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Brock, son Brock Dashiell, Jr. (Cherene), daughter, Beth Dashiell Miller (Eric), grandchildren, Rowan Miller (Hailey), Rebecca Miller, Bennett Miller, and beloved little terrier, Lulu.

A service celebrating her life will be held Tuesday, August 12 at 2 pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, the Norfolk SPCA or the Portsmouth Humane Society. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.