Wardell Driver
February 7, 1939 – March 16, 2023
Wardell affectionately known as ”Widy” was born to Rudell Driver and Janie Rogers on February 7, 1939 who both preceded him in death.
His legacy of love and kindness lives on through his wife of 46 years, Mary “Mer” Elizabeth Driver; his daughter, Natalie Driver Womack; son Glennis “Glenn” Rodgers (preceded in death) and grandchildren London Elizabeth Womack, Coretta Williamson, and Glennis Lewis Rodgers II (unofficially adopted daughter Tamara McCray, son Allan Holmes, and Warrack family) .
From his previous union to Virginia Banks, he also leaves to mourn three daughters Janice Waters, Jeannette Hollowell, and April Rumble; his son, Wardell Lance Driver; two siblings Oddell Driver and Curly-Faye Sikes, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.
Wardell began working for what is now Dominion Virginia Power as a lineman at the age of 20. Years of steady consistent work opened up leadership opportunities throughout his career and he loved being a lineman! Wardell was a devoted Christian who taught others how to love through the way he loved his family it was just his way of serving.
Widy loved being married to Mer!!! She was truly the light of his life and calm to his storms. Their devotion to one another served as an example of what love had the power to accomplish and the accomplishments were remarkable!
“What I want to do is make the best of the days I have left, whether I live to be 80, 90, whatever,” he said back in 2010 when being interviewed by the Virginian-Pilot newspaper. “Just trying to help people.”
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 24 at The Mount, 620 Baker Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Click here to view the live-streamed memorial service for Wardell Driver.
Sorry for your loss family and loved ones. For me he was more than any greatness I can possibly describe. We always had heart felt conversations either about the weather or marriage or just life. He was my mentor as well a friend . We never had less than an hour long conversations where he deposits a wealth of life long knowledge and memories. In my mind he will never be forgotten because he help create the person I am today. He will always be love by me, Bobby Womack Jr
If a “Smile Award” category was possible, Widy’s smiles would have surely qualified. He consistently had the brightest. warmest and welcoming smiles. I remember how he so diligently worked in his back yard when living in Chesapeake, and if he saw you pull up in his drive way, he would wave then stop working, and come inside and share some smiles, jokes and encouragement. He was always excited to see folk, made you feel comfortable and it was felt. Oh, how he will be missed. Mary, Natalie, London, Coretta and Family, may God’s repeated blessings to yours. I Love you so much. Sis
If a “Smile Award” category was possible, Widy’s smiles would have surely qualified. He consistently had the brightest. warmest and welcoming smiles. I remember how he so diligently worked in his back yard when living in Chesapeake, and if he saw you pull up in his drive way, he would wave then stop working, and come inside and share some smiles, jokes and encouragement. He was always excited to see folk, made you feel comfortable and it was felt. Oh, how he will be missed. Mary, Natalie, London, Coretta and Family, may God’s repeated blessings be
yours. I Love you so much. Sis
Wish was my brother in law but we all called him uncle wish because the nieces and nephews did. Aunt mary kept our grand babies but you would have thought he was the sitter. We all loved uncle Widy so much. We will all miss his presence but he will be watching over us as he always has.
Uncle widy I say so affectionately with a grateful heart that you are my brother n law your huge smile and always welcoming word Ronnie anI will always remember your awesome smile and seeing how happy you were last time we saw you thank you for the tinder caring love you have for my sister love that was so loud and bright to see, you will never die in the hearts of those that love you ,Natalie you have awesome dad ,I know you know that just want you to know that I think so to
Wardell and Mary came to me to help them find a home in Richmond to be closer to their family and enjoy their granddaughter. I got to know them for their positive smiles and warm welcome. I got to visit with Wardell and chat with him through showing them homes and visiting their home. I also had a great conversation with him in the garage while helping him unpack. He was so kind and patient and I learned he like lemon Meringue pies. I wanted to give him a special treat so I baked him one. When I never made one before. He said he couldn’t wait to dig in when I delivered it. His eyes lit up. Something about that smile. Mary and Wardell and their family I had an instant connection with. Not as my client but as true genuine friends. I am honored to have met him and share some short moments with him. I am inspired by their faith, love for family, and positivity. Wardell thank you for inspiring me and being so kind to allow me to visit. You are missed but I know celebrating in heaven.