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Victoria Oakley Obituary
Vickie was born in Baltimore, Maryland but lived briefly in Atlanta before moving to Alexandria, Virginia. The daughter of a nurse and an archivist, she spent her formative years in Oldtown with her older sister Margaret. She struggled with dyslexia which would influence her future career in education.
She attended college at the University of Richmond majoring in education. After graduation, she landed her first teaching position in Emporia as a sixth-grade teacher. After two years, she moved into a Title I reading teacher position. She immediately began work on her master's degree in Reading attending VCU.
During her time in Emporia, she met her husband, Bob. They eventually moved to Richmond to continue their educations. She received her Master of Education in Reading and began work as a Title I reading teacher in Richmond Public Schools. Her principal recognized her talent after a few years and recommended she move into administration. On her first attempt, she was selected to be an assistant principal at Swansboro Elementary under Marian Rowlett. Rowlett would eventually help her prepare for that first principalship just a few years later. She would get that opportunity from noted local educator and Superintendent Lucille Brown becoming one of the youngest principals in RPS. She would lead Lee Elementary and Ginter Park schools to state accreditation.
Once again, Vickie's skills were recognized. She was encouraged to move "downtown". She would become the Director of Instruction under Superintendents Dr. Deborah Jewell-Sherman and Dr. Yvonne Brandon. Dr. Brandon would eventually select Vickie as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. She would retire in 2014 after 24 years in RPS.
Vickie loved reading and reading instruction leading to leadership roles in the Virginia State Reading Association. This informed her circle of friends from VSRA she referred to as the "reading girls". The girls often gathered for weekends or holiday luncheons. Ladies, you know who you are.
In addition to her love of education, Vickie was extremely family-focused spending many holidays and special occasions with her loving husband of 38 years Bob, special mentee Robyn (30), older sister Margaret (67), nephew Nicholas (30), and niece Kathryn (24).
Bob would like to recognize the various professionals of the Department of Instruction that helped Vickie succeed in RPS. They are too numerous to list here. Vickie would also credit her administrative assistant Denise Monroe for her support in getting things done.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Dancing Classrooms of Richmond, VCU School of Education, or any group encouraging and supporting reading.
Memories and Condolences
for Victoria Oakley
Beverly Whitaker-Braxton
January 4, 2026
I often think of Vickie and her education to the children and staff of RPS! My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with her family!
Tricia Bahen
January 22, 2024
Bob and Family. So very sorry to hear of Vickie's passing. She was a huge advocate of education, specifically reading, for many children throughout Virginia. I know she will be missed by family and those she worked with through the years.
Gretchen Graves (Carlson)
January 22, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Oakley´s passing. She was my boss for the one year I worked at Ginter Park. I remember her as tough, but also one of the most fair principals I have worked under in my 34 years of working in RPS. She had a very positive impact on me as an educator/art therapist.
I wish her family and close friends peace as they deal with this loss.
Suzette Holt
January 19, 2024
Jan. 19th- I just found out today of Mrs. Oakley's passing. I am so sad! She was my favorite principal. I loved working with her at Ginter Park. She was dedicated to and supportive of the students and teachers! My deepest sympathy to her family!
How you can show support
Joanna Minott
January 18, 2024
My sincerest condolences. I am so saddened to hear. She was an amazing leader and motivator. A staunch supporter of education and educators(students and teachers). She never shied away from a challenge. Thank you for all that you did for others and for me.
Beverly Whitaker-Braxton
January 17, 2024
To the Family of Vickie Oakley
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time!
Beverly Whitaker-Braxton
Bobby W Oakley
January 15, 2024
A message from Bob
Thanks to everyone and especially those colleagues who have shared their wonderful experiences working with Vickie. She loved urban education because she wanted to go with the greatness need but less than adequate resources.
The family would also like to thank Dr. James Katcheressian (a.ka. Dr. K) and the staff at Virginia Cancer Institute that allowed us to have her with us for those 15 wonderful years. Finally, thanks to Steve Terry. She loved those morning workouts and credited them to keeping her physically and mentally able to battle her disease.
Gail lvey
January 14, 2024
To the Oakley family. I pray you strength, love and hugs through these times. Ms Oakley as she liked to be addressed was very important to my life with RPS. She will be missed by us all in her way.
Franklyn Joseph
January 14, 2024
I met Victoria "Vickey" Oakley in the fall of 1991 when she became the Teacher Specialist at Swansboro Model School in Richmond, Va. During those years I have come to the realization that she was a stern, no nonsense educator. She loved the students and teachers and would go above and beyond the call of duty as an educator to see them succeed. She was my co-worker who ended being a supportive colleague and dear friend.
in an admirably unique way she was gentle yet strong, dependable yet independent, flamboyant yet restrained, spontaneous yet schematic, daring yet careful, punctual yet unscheduled, creative yet organized, energetic yet focused, eloquent yet attentive, jovial yet serious, prepared yet flexible, challenging yet remedial, demanding yet tolerant, accommodating yet rigid, predictable yet astonishing, knowledgeable yet unassuming, experienced yet changeable, dynamic yet passive and respected yet gracious.
To Bobby and her family my heartfelt condolences.
Rest In Eternal Peace my Friend!
Franklyn Joseph
Constance Moore
January 13, 2024
To Bobby and family. You have my deepest sympathy.
Constance moore
Teacher's Assistance
Robert E. Lee and Ginter Park School
Teresa Hundley
January 13, 2024
My condolences to the Oakley Family. I was blessed to work alongside Mrs. Oakley during my time with Richmond Public Schools. She was a believer in the students and staff of RPS. She wanted nothing but the best and it was reflected in her leadership. You knew her heart by her words and deeds, no nonsense but compassionate and caring. May God´s peace be with all of you as she rests in peace.
Frances Lively
January 12, 2024
Bob, when the brightness dims, the world seems darker. However, the spark remains, and whenever you see a child´s eyes sparkle when unlocking the locked door to reading, you will know that Vic is present. May your days sparkle with Vic´s passions. Fran Lively
Gladys Wilder, Special Ed Teacher, Swansboro Elementary
January 12, 2024
T=As a classroom teacher, I thank you for your support.
Dr. Tommye Finley
January 11, 2024
You were an influencer in reaching high Academic Standards for all that had an opportunity to be in your presence. Job well done.
Kim Bridges
January 11, 2024
I served as a school board member during Vicky´s RPS leadership. She was a beacon of light in her devotion to doing our best for students. Her dedication and commitment remain an inspiration to many of us in education. Her work and care impacted thousands. Sending deepest sympathy to the loved ones who fought alongside her and comfort to all those coping with her loss in their lives.
Valerie Brooks
January 11, 2024
Stern but fair.. worked with her at Robert e Lee elementary so many years ago! Rip Ms Oakley!
Pat Hudson
January 11, 2024
Thank you Vickie for sharing your love for our children and supporting me as a past administrative assistant in RPS Instruction.
Pat Hudson
Angela S. Delaney
January 10, 2024
I write this message with a heavy heart and my sincerest condolences to Bob and Vicki's families. I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Oakley for several years in Richmond Public Schools. She always expressed her belief in our students and their ability to be successful. So sorry to hear of her passing! May God be with all of you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will cometh in the morning!
Dorothy N Hutcheson
January 10, 2024
My heart is heavy as I send sincere condolences to Bob and Vickie´s Family. I had the opportunity to work alongside Vickie a number of times at RCPS. Vickie was a loyal and dedicated employee to RCPS.
Dorothy N Hutcheson
January 10, 2024
With heavy heart I send my condolences to Bob and Vicki´s Family. I worked alongside Vicki numerous times during my times with RCPS. Vicki was one of the most loyal and dedicated employees to an organization that I have ever met in my work across this country.
Thomasyne A. Beverly
January 10, 2024
My sincere sympathy to Bob and the family. There was a brief time in my life that I got the opportunity to work with Vickie. She was a driven, knowledgeable, and sincere person when it came to education. The world of Education will truly miss her knowledge and expertise.
Ike Jones/ Audrey J.Taylor
January 10, 2024
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs.Victoria (Vicikie) Oakley.
She was friend,colleague, and principal @ Lee Elementary School and Ginter Park Elementary Schools.
Dr.Oakley was an amazing principal. She caring and supportive to her staff.
Although the loss of our friend or colleague is difficult to bear.
May it help to ease our burden
Just to know that others cares ,
and may it bring you added peace to know that every the comfort of our friend `s love is never for always.
She loves for reading and teaching our students the true meaning of reading.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Ike Jones, Audrey J. Taylor and Jones family.
Mollette Y. Lewis Former RPS & UR Graduate
January 10, 2024
What a true testament to the person that she was even though I did not know her personally. May the legacy that she has left behind be an inspiration to those coming up in the ranks behind her. My condolences to the family of Mrs. Victoria Oakley.
Marjorie Watts Valentine, RPS (Binford Middle School)
January 10, 2024
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Oakley. She truly loved and advocated for children. She was well-respected by others.
Remember, MEMORIES never die, they stay in our hearts forever.
Pat Hudson
January 10, 2024
Condolences to Bob and family. I wish you peace and strength during this time.
Kathleen
January 10, 2024
She was truly an inspiration! Kathleen
Theresa Bucknam
January 10, 2024
Condolences to you Bobby. Greg and I spent many NYE dinners with you and Vickie that I remember fondly. Please know that my prayers are with you for your beloved Vickie. What a brave woman she was.
Theresa
Wilbert and Bessie Ware
January 10, 2024
Jo Ann Marchant Brown
January 10, 2024
Bob, I am so sorry for your loss! She was a lovely lady, wonderful educator, and FABULOUS partner for you. You we dynamic couple and you have a multitude of good memories to cherish.
Evie and Michael Sears
January 10, 2024
I am Vickie's cousin and as I think of Vickie, I will never forget how much she loved her work in Education. I believe it was a source of pride and something she truly enjoyed. Her parents cared a great deal about education, so they encouraged her to find her niche and education, specifically reading, was her calling.
The love between Vickie and Bobby, her husband, was also easy to recognize and appreciate each and every time we were together with them. I loved her parents, my Aunt Kay and Uncle Walter, who surely were so proud of their youngest daughter, Vickie. We had some great fun with them in Old town, in Alexandria, VA, Ocean City, MD at my parents summer home, as well as Chicago IL, after her parents retired. However, I still wish I had been able to visit their home in Richmond, VA, as I heard it was divine.
She fought hard, went through a great deal and she will be missed intensely by Bobby, her sister, Margaret along with her 2 amazing kids and the rest of our family and very special friends.
Vickie, you gave the one's who needed you so very much and you remain a shining star!*!*!*! We merely need to gaze up to the sky, where we will find your silver shadow. You brighten and amplify the atmosphere allowing all of us to know you are still with us.
CA
January 9, 2024
A strong, giving and guiding contribution to the the RPS family!!!! So thankful for ALL that she gave to us! Thank you Mrs. Oakley!
Former RPS
La-Neka Brown (RPS)
January 9, 2024
I´m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Oakley`s passing. She was a dynamic educator, a role model of leadership and an inspiration to me.
Jamie Hatfield Hickey
January 9, 2024
Vickie & I met our freshman yr at UR. She was a breath of fresh air & never shied away from a challenge. She was an inspiration to us all & a gift to the education community.
I will miss her laugh, sass & quick wit.
"Vic Woman", you made quite a mark on this earth & I am hoping you are at peace. I love you & will miss you.
Peggy Phelps
January 9, 2024
Victoria was a talented and generous person who enriched many people both family and professional associates. She will be missed.
Dr. Shelia D. Hines
January 9, 2024
In loving memory of a great educator and woman that I deeply admired for what she did for children and Richmond Public Schools. May you rest in peace.
Jerome Holmes
January 9, 2024
Vicky, Ms. Oakley, or Ms. Victoria Oakley. She answered to all the names. Vicky, you were correct. Parents and teachers can make any child an achiever. A job well done. Jerome Holmes (Overby Sheppard Elementary )
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