Reverend Willard V. Dabney

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved Reverend Willard Vladimer Dabney of Midlothian, Virginia, who passed away on October 10, 2026. While we mourn his loss, we are forever grateful for the time we shared, the memories we created, and the love he brought into our lives.

Reverend Dabney was a man with a heart of gold whose kindness, wisdom, laughter, and loving spirit left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He had a way of making meaningful connections with people, and his presence will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Born on February 9, 1951, Reverend Dabney was the son of the late Willard Dabney Sr. and the late Nurse Lou Marion Dabney. He was also the twin brother of the late Reverend Wayne Dorsey Dabney. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Weaver Dabney. He received his early education through the Petersburg Public School System, attending the historic Peabody High School in Petersburg, Virginia. He went on to graduate from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, before furthering his education at Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he earned his master’s degree.

Reverend Dabney was a man of many talents and accomplishments. Throughout his life, he worked as an educator and a successful automobile salesman, but one of his greatest passions was his calling to ministry. As the former pastor of New First Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia, he found tremendous joy in preaching, sharing the Word of God, and building relationships with members of his congregation. His dedication to his faith and his desire to encourage and uplift others were important parts of who he was.

Beyond the Pulpit

Beyond his accomplishments and years in ministry, Willard was a devoted family man who meant so much to those closest to him. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he brought love, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to his family. His wisdom, personality, and the memories created over the years will always be part of his family’s story.

In his later years, Willard lived with dementia, which brought changes and challenges for both him and those who loved him. Through it all, he remained surrounded by family, love, and care. Although dementia affected his memories, it never diminished the significance of his life or the place he held in his family’s hearts.

Willard was so much more than the challenges he faced. He was a man of faith, a father, a grandfather, and a proud great-grandfather whose life mattered deeply to so many. His family will continue to honor him by sharing his stories, remembering the moments that made him special, and carrying forward the love he gave them.

Those Left to Cherish His Memory

Reverend Dabney is lovingly remembered by his children, Anikwa Dabney-Turner (Aaron) of Henrico, Virginia, and Kimba Dabney (Marreo) of Midlothian, Virginia; five grandchildren, Zhane’ (Michael), Deonte, Kemora, Darren, and Maliyah; and three great-grandchildren, Gianna, Kingston, and Myla.

He is also remembered by his nieces, Ava and Remi Dabney of New Jersey; nephews, Wayne and Khary Dabney of New Jersey; and devoted cousins, Lester Lewis of Richmond, Virginia, Elwood Lewis of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Sheriff Vanessa Reese Crawford of Petersburg, Virginia.

He is also remembered by his extended Weaver family, along with many other relatives and lifelong friends, including Benjamin Scott, Burton Hayes, Thomas Pair, Freddy Hicks, Pat Nunnelly, and Reverend Earl Thompson (Thelma).

Although his time with us has come to an end, the love Willard shared, the wisdom he passed along, and the memories he created will remain with those who knew him. His legacy of faith, family, and love will continue through the generations and in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to be part of his life.

Celebration of Life

A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, October 16, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Earl Thompson, Sr., eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6277153?fl=so&fe=fs