Inez D. Maven

Inez Dabney Maven was born on May 16, 1939, in Hampton, Virginia. She was the sixth child born to the late Otis and Mary Dabney. She was educated in Hampton Public Schools and graduated from George P. Phenix High School in 1957. In 1962, Inez graduated from Norfolk State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Petersburg, Virginia, where she began her distinguished career as a first grade teacher at Westview Elementary School. Her passion for learning, particularly literacy and reading, inspired her to pursue a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist from Virginia State College in 1978.

As her expertise grew, she transitioned from classroom teaching to become a Title I Reading Specialist at Stuart Elementary School. In this role, she worked to help students develop foundational literacy skills, strengthen reading comprehension, and build confidence as learners. Through individualized instruction, phonics intervention, and collaboration with teachers she helped countless students overcome academic challenges and discover a love for reading. Her dedication contributed significantly to students' academic growth, empowering them with skills and confidence that would serve them throughout their lives.

Inez was a lifelong leader and servant of her community. Her commitment to nurturing future generations led her to volunteer as a Girl Scout troop leader, where she mentored young girls through skill building and community service with the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The impact of her leadership and example will continue to be felt by those whose lives she helped shape. Throughout her remarkable career, Inez received numerous accolades and professional recognitions from educational organizations, including the Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association. She was also a member of the Petersburg Educational Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the Reading is Fundamental Organization. After 34 years of dedicated service, she retired from Petersburg City Public Schools on July 1, 2001. Yet her commitment to education never wavered. Following retirement, she returned to support students as a tutor for an additional five years, bringing her total years of educational service to an extraordinary 39 years. Then, she became a member of the Petersburg/Prince George Retired Teachers’ Association.

Inez was a devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia. Her faith in God was the foundation of her life and the source of her strength, wisdom, and compassion. She maintained a deep and personal relationship with the Lord, trusting Him through every season of life. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived daily through her kindness, service to others, and steadfast love for her family. She took great care to instill Christian values in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy that will continue for generations.

In her later years, Inez continued to nurture her love of education by reading with her great-grandson, creating precious memories while passing along her lifelong appreciation for learning. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her friends at the City of Petersburg Senior Recreation Program. She cherished staying connected with her dearest friends, nieces, nephews, retirement colleagues, and extended family members. Known for her gentle spirit, warm smile, and caring heart, she touched the lives of many and made everyone feel valued and loved. Her legacy of faith, education, service, and love will live on in the countless students she taught and the family she cherished. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Inez Dabney Maven was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. In 1965, Inez married the love of her life, Abraham Maven of Hampton, Virginia and they celebrated 60 years of marriage in December 2025. Left to cherish her memory are her two prides and joy, her son, Alvin Maven of Peterburg, Virginia; daughter, Alicia Maven of Richmond, Virginia; granddaughter, Timicia Hunt (Courtney) of Henrico, Virginia; great-grandson, Kyler Hunt of Henrico, Virginia; nieces, Gwendolyn Breggs of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Dena Boyd (Jerome) of Hampton, Virginia; nephews, Roosevelt Johnson of Washington, DC, Anderson Hope (Roberta) of Stafford, Virginia, Melvin Hill of Hampton, Virginia and a host of dear nieces and nephews of Hampton, Virginia; and other loved ones.

Inez Maven was predeceased by her parents, Otis and Mary Dabney; husband, Abraham Maven; brother, Dr. John Dabney; sisters, Constance Dabney, Eleanor Johnson, Delores Hunt, Mildred Manning, and Deanna Hill; and nephews, Hawthorne Hope, Micheal Johnson, and Earl Manning, Jr.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, November 6, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Chapel of Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home, 251 West Queen Street, Hampton, VA. The interment to follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.