Loving mother and grandmother, Virginia Powell, 81, of St Augustine Fl, passed away March 25, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband David Powell whom she married in 1964 and her parents James and Margaret Costello.
She is survived by her son, David (Annmarie) Powell, grandsons Gavin Powell & Carson Powell, daughter Cathy Peters, granddaughter Moira Mozo and grandson Mason Mozo, sister Barbara (Larry) Hess, nephews Daniel Hess, Ryan (Patricia) Hess and great niece, Cecelia Jane Hess.
She was born in Jacksonville, FL at St. Vincent’s Hospital on January 6, 1940. During her childhood she lived in Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Palm Valley, FL. She attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and graduated from Duncan U. Fletcher High School, Class of 1958. During high school she was a member of the marching band as a majorette.
She had a passion for music and played percussion in the Jacksonville Junior Symphony Orchestra, performing at Carnegie Hall. She was a proficient piano player and won numerous awards in county wide competitions. Upon graduating from high school she attended Florida State University and Jacksonville University where she graduated with a bachelors degree in Education. She truly loved teaching.
Her career of 32 years as an educator initially began in Mt. Holly, NJ, where her husband, David, was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. Upon their return to Jacksonville her career encompassed teaching at Atlantic Beach Elementary, Kirby Smith Middle School and lastly Sandalwood Jr./Sr. High until her retirement in 2003. Throughout her career she taught Civics as well as US and World History but her love was teaching students about the Civil War. She was very social and always enjoyed being involved with the planning of her high school reunions.
She also volunteered for many years with the Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. She certainly had a green thumb and loved tending to her numerous plants and beautiful flowers. She was a wonderful cook, had a passion for music and also enjoyed traveling, golf, water skiing, fishing and just being on or near the water. She had a special place in her heart for animals particularly her beloved cats and dogs. However, her true treasures were her family, especially her grandchildren whom she loved very much. She always made time for them often teaching them and having fun sharing her vast knowledge, passion for music and many other talents.
Funeral arrangements will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the St. Vincent DePaul Society. The family would like to thank all of her wonderful caregivers at Brooks Bartram Lakes, Brooks Green House and Community Hospice of Northeast FL.
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