Dorothea Martin Wadsworth

Dorothea M. Wadsworth, 103, of Chesapeake passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 22, 2020. She has been an active community volunteer and business owner in Chesapeake for many years. Dorothea and her late husband, Eugene, a former Chesapeake City councilman and School Board member who died in 1991, owned several businesses, including the Virginia Reel Motel in Chesapeake. Until age 92, Dorothea was still active in several community organizations and is a lifetime member of the Women’s Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Chesapeake. She served as the Chamber’s president in 1971 and was named its Women of the Year in 1973. Dorothea was a member of Pilot Club of Chesapeake, and served in several offices including president. She is also a past governor of the Virginia District of the Pilot Club and a past director of Pilot Club International. She said one of her fondest memories is working with Don Buckley on the Chesapeake Hospital Authority, where she served as Secretary. In 1974, she helped organize the Chesapeake Hospital Auxiliary and served as its first president. Dorothea was also a member of Great Bridge Baptist Church. Survivors include her four daughters, Barbara Deaver (Melvin), Dorothy Sawyer (Joe), Sharon Archbell (Brooks) and Jeana Livingston (Bill); ten grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; as well as eight great-great-grandchildren. The visitation will be open from 11 am to 3 pm, Friday at Oman Funeral Home.