Lisa Lee Wade

Lisa Lee Wade, 53, born on December 1, 1961 in Norfolk, Virginia passed away suddenly on September 28, 2015. She was the youngest daughter of Nora Lee Reese Wade and the late Thomas Albert Wade, Jr. Left to cherish her memory are two brothers, William W. Wade and wife Penny and family, the family of her late brother Thomas "Tucker" Allen Wade; two sisters, Carolyn E. Bennett and family, Deborah K. Mansfield and husband Les (Cowboy) and family; her aunt Peggy Amelia Hayes and family of Buena Vista, Virginia; numerous cousins, friends, classmates and fellow officers. Lisa grew up in the Estabrook area of Norfolk, the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach and the Lexington, Virginia area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lisa attended two high schools, Kempsville and Green Run. She graduated with Honors from Green Run High School in 1980 and was the recipient of The Booster Club Corral Award for Outstanding Accomplishments as a Scholar and Athlete. She excelled in the sports of basketball, track, and volleyball and received the 1980 MVP Award at Green Run High School in Fast Pitch Softball, playing the position of catcher. She received Letter of Merit Awards for Softball and Basketball from Kempsville High School in 1979. Lisa was recognized by the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter and received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Lisa enjoyed art and literature. Her Studio Artwork was displayed in the Student Gallery of 1979 and the Annual Student Art Show at Pembroke Mall. She was a Published Poet and Honored Member of the International Society of Poets. She received two trophies for Outstanding Achievement in 2006 and 2007. “Dream Seed” and “Away from My Trooper” are two of her published poems. Lisa was a member of the United States Youth Conservation Corps. She participated in the 4-H Club Back Bay Project in 1980 that enhanced her desire and dedication to preserving the environment and serving humanity. Her life paths lead her to the State of California where she pursued a career in public service and safety. By 1983 she earned a State Certified Private Security Officer Certificate; continuing her training she received her “Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship” as a Correctional Officer in 1989. She was a Job Steward and a Member of The California Correctional Peace Officers Association, (CCPOA). As a Journeyman she received Certificates and Awards of Achievement in Marksmanship, Drug Testing, Fingerprinting, Career Development and Job Stewardship. The latter part of her career was at the Sierra Conservation Center Department of Corrections- Acton Conservation Camp #11 as a Fireman. Her dedication to others and her job together with her love of animals, she soon became eminently suited in training and owning Fire and Rescue Dogs; beloved and honored - the late Sugar Bear and Falcon. Lisa’s career as a Correctional Peace Officer was short-lived due to an injury to her back sustained from a fall while fighting a California wildfire. This incident brought about numerous back surgeries that ultimately deemed her disabled. Lisa’s Lutheran background, passion for life and compassion for others will be an everlasting beacon of light. She will serve as a guide for us and all who knew her. May her memory be eternal. A memorial service will be held at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Paul Lawson will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers and food, donations in Lisa’s name may be made to the Kempsville Rescue Squad or our local S.P.C.A. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the McElwee Chapel, McElwee Road, Rockbridge Baths, VA. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com