Ann Booker Darst

1941 - 2025

Ann Booker Darst

January 12, 1941 - August 29, 2025

Ann Booker Darst, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 29, 2025. Ann was born to Judith Tompkins and George Booker and reared in the 1800 block of Hanover Avenue in the Fan district of Richmond. She graduated from St. Catherine's School, Mary Baldwin College, and Pan American Business School.

She made her debut in Richmond in 1960. Adventure came when she married her first husband who loved to travel; living in Charlottesville, Hot Springs, Germany, England, and Colorado. They produced two wonderful children, Dandridge Douglas Keyser and Jonathan Byrd Keyser. Finally exhaustion set in from the wanderlust, and they divorced.

Ann's next life started in Williamsburg when she married Jackson Darst, who was very involved in farming, history and preservation. She joined many organizations; National Society of the Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jamestowne Society, Virginia Huguenot Society, and the Colonial Dames of America; holding leadership roles in all. She was elected to the Roll of Honor and named a Dame of Distinction. She is a former trustee of old St. John's Church Restoration Association in King William, and at present a trustee of the Darst-Vermillion Foundation.

Living on Heron Hill Farm, she acquired an interest in agriculture and became President of the James City Board of Agriculture. She was a member of the Woman's Club and Farmington Country Club. Ann's final move was to Westminster Canterbury in Richmond, Va. where she came involved with the Bargain Table of the Treasure Chest.

She is survived by her children, Dandridge Keyser Davis (Wilson) and Jonathan Byrd Keyser (Sally); and five grandchildren, Grayson Keyser, Wil Davis, Temple Keyser, Emmie Davis, and Rowan Keyser.

A graveside service will be held Friday, September 12, at 1 p.m. in Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please give to the charity of your choice.