Dale Brothers Birdsong

Published 3:06 pm Monday, December 23, 2024

Dale Brothers Birdsong, 90, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on December 20, 2024. Born on March 2, 1934, in Suffolk, Virginia, she was the cherished daughter of Quentin and Russell Brothers. She spent many of her younger years in Whaleyville, VA, and loved recounting the joy of her childhood spent living next door to her grandparents and running back and forth from house to house.

Dale was predeceased by her childhood sweetheart and devoted husband, William “Bill” Birdsong, Jr., as well as her brother, William “Bill” Brothers, Jr., and her sister, Polly Brothers Simpson (husband Henry). She is survived by her three children: William “Mac” Birdsong, III (wife Betsy), Everett Birdsong (wife Miriam), and Chris Birdsong White (husband Rob). She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Brook Birdsong, Billy Birdsong (wife Emily), Lillie Birdsong Hartman (husband Hunter), Charlie Birdsong, Ali White, Wyndham White, and great-grandchild Emerson Dale Birdsong. She is also survived by three brothers-in-law, George Birdsong, Cabell Birdsong, and Henry Simpson.

Dale’s life was a testament to generosity and selflessness. It was her giving spirit that made her special and loved by so many. A 1956 graduate of Longwood University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Dale began her career teaching soldiers through the Civil Service program at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, while her husband served in the Army. Later, she pursued her passion for caregiving, earning her nursing degree from Southampton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1976.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, reflected in her decades of service to High Street United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, directed the youth choir for 15 years, and was the first woman to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Dale’s generosity shone in her community involvement. She served on the board of the Franklin YMCA, contributed to the Garden Club of Virginia, the Nansemond River Garden Club, and was an active member of the Suffolk Literary Club. An avid bridge player, she enjoyed the friendships she built in six different bridge clubs. She also loved Franklin’s Little Theater and acted in many of the plays.

Her gravestone will read, “A loving wife, mother, and Mimi,” a tribute to the profound love she shared with her family and friends. Dale’s giving spirit enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family will receive friends for a time of fellowship at Main Street United Methodist Church, 202 N. Main Street, Suffolk VA on January 3, 2025 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. The burial will be private at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Main Street United Methodist Church. 202 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.