Marjorie Lee Dandridge

The works I’ve done, they seem so small, Sometimes, they seem like, seems like nothing at all. When I stand before my God, I want to hear Him say well done. May the works I’ve done, speak for me. Marjorie Dandridge having completed her works here on earth peacefully transitioned home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, in Bon Secours Community Hospice House, Chesterfield County, VA. She was born May 18, 1939 to the late Junius Maynard and Mattie Ferguson Dandridge in Croaker, VA. Marjorie was also preceded in death by her siblings, Katherine D. Walton, Junius F. Dandridge, Frank E. Dandridge, Sr., Mary D. Sims and Naomi D. West. At an early age, Marjorie accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior and joined Shiloh Baptist Church in James City County. She later joined St. Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen, VA where she was a faithful member. In her youth, she attended Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. She graduated from Bruton Heights High School class of 1957 and later matriculated at Virginia State College (University) class of 1961. Immediately after college she moved to Roanoke, VA where she worked for a period of seven years. She was ambitious and realized the value of an education which she instilled and passed along to future generations within her family. Marjorie was a trailblazer, she was one of the first African American students to enter the Master of Social Work Program at Richmond Professional Institute now Virginia Commonwealth University graduating in the class of 1969. Her career focused on various positions within the field of Social Work. She worked at Memorial Child Guidance Clinic, as a Psychiatric Social Worker. Later Marjorie worked as a Social Worker for the Department of Corrections at Hanover School for Boys. Being a self-sacrificing and devoted daughter, she moved back to Williamsburg to care for her aging parents. While living in Williamsburg, she was employed at Eastern State Hospital where she later retired. During her tenure, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. After her retirement, her devotion to the field of social work continued. She worked with the Research Triangle Institute in Durham, NC. Marjorie also worked as a Field Instructor for Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work throughout her professional career. Her diverse knowledge of social work spanned many areas of the field making her well respected and a mentor to many colleagues. She was a fascinating conversationalist and loved to impart her wisdom on others. She valued her friendship and was considered a “partner in crime” to her friend Reatha. Her friend, Mary Struthers called every night to make sure that she had taken her medicine. She was an impeccable dresser, Talbott’s will certainly miss her smiling face in their stores. She was very active and had an amazing social life. Marjorie maintained her youthful figure by going to “Nifty after Fifty” an exercise program. She also walked Virginia Center Commons Mall for over sixteen years with her friend Helen Harris. She played pinochle with two different card groups; Whist Nochles and The Women of Wisdom Pinochle Clubs for 45 years. She continued to host card groups up until her recent illness. Marjorie was a very loving person with a great sense of humor. She left a lasting impression on all she met. She liked to immerse herself in the cultures wherever she traveled. At the beginning of Lent, she would go to the islands for “Caribbean Carnival.” Marjorie went on several cruises and at each port she would tour the local town to see how the natives lived. She loved to explore and delve into the cultures and traditions of her journeys. Traveling abroad to such locales as: South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Greece, Turkey, Italy, London, Paris and countless other adventures. Marjorie leaves to cherish her memories, two brothers, Walter A. Dandridge of Williamsburg, VA and Milton T. Dandridge of Richmond, VA; fourteen nephews, nine nieces, fifty-three great-nieces and nephews, twenty-five great great-nieces and nephews and a host of caring friends. Family was very important to her; she sowed the seeds of success and motivation into the lives of her nieces and nephews.

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Marjorie Lee Dandridge

May 18, 1939 - July 26, 2017