Lillian Nickell DeVenny

April 1, 2018

04/01/2018

Past Services

Service
Saturday April 07, 2018
Alleghany Memorial Park
7008 Winterberry Ave.
Covington, VA 24426
540-862-7412 | Directions
Additional Information:

Graveside Service

Cemetery
Saturday April 07, 2018
11:00 am
Alleghany Memorial Park
7008 Winterberry Ave.
Covington, VA 24426
540-862-7412 | Directions
Additional Information:

Entombment

Lillian Nickell DeVenny passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2018 in Norfolk, VA. She was born in Chesapeake, Ohio, her twin brother lived only a few hours. At 2 weeks old, she and her parents the late Hayes B. & Alice N. Nickell moved to Covington, VA where she grew up. She was an honor graduate of Covington High School and attended Covington Business School and later, Norfolk College. She held Continuing Education Units from Old Dominion University and The University of Puerto Rico where she wrote and presented a paper at a World Conference on Drunk Driving.
Lillian is survived by her husband, John Paul DeVenny, Jr.; a son, John Hayes DeVenny; grandchildren, Jennifer DeVenny and J. Brian Nicewander; five nieces and 3 nephews as well as several great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sisters Sarah Rhodes and Vivian Pease, her brothers J.E. and Harry B. Nickell as well as her only daughter, Carrie Leigh who was killed in 1979 by an intoxicated driver. After this, Lillian and two friends started VIRGINIANS OPPOSING DRUNK DRIVING, a citizens’ group to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving. It was also an organization to assist the victims and the surviving relatives of these crashes. She and her group attended the General Assembly for many years, fighting to have these laws strengthened in Virginia.
A graveside service will be held for Lillian on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11:00 am at Alleghany Memorial Park, 7008 Winterberry Ave. in Covington, VA. Contributions can be made in Lillian’s name to Drive Safe Hampton Roads by clicking HERE.

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Frank Starr, LCDR USN Ret., for VODD VP
5 years ago

Mrs. DeVenny was more than a friend to my family. After my brother George was killed in the line of duty as a Virginia Beach Auxiliary Police Officer by a drunk driver she basically adopted me. We shared this cause, this desire to get impaired drivers off the road. She was instrumental, perhaps the very key, to effecting change in the Commonwealth; change that helped to make Virginia a progressive in the safe driving movement. She was a tough lady who was strong enough to stand up publicly to elected officials and townsfolk who were more interested in themselves than the good of the masses. She was very smart and understood her audience. She knew everybody and people with names like Forbes, Early, McDonnell, Scott, and Cranwell knew who she was! She walked among them with complete confidence although many were on our side. She understood the process, recognized those who were on the other side, and she often called them out. She was courageous. I know because I witnessed some of it but by the time I came along she was already a legend. Anyone would have been blessed to have been around her for even a minute. I was fortunate enough to have shared much time with her even though there was so much heartache along the way for both of us. There are so many people alive today because of Mrs. DeVenny and they don’t even know it. She was a lady of the finest caliber! She used to compliment and thank me for helping her out on the anti-DUI trail. I always told her that when my last day comes, I would be able to say, “I knew Lillian DeVenny.” Well, I did and I knew her pretty well. The world is better because of her and I am sincerely thankful she was there when I needed someone to focus me. To me she was a second mother, a personal friend, a mentor, a confidant, and a heroine. If you didn’t know her you should have and if you did know her then you know I write the truth. Knowing and being with Mrs. DeVenny for those years ranks right up at the top of the list of accomplishments that I have enjoyed in my life and I am forever grateful for her – as everyone should be!

Dean and Vickey Rodgers
5 years ago

Dear Sam and John, so very sad to hear about Lil. She was a wonderful person and dear friend. We have fond memories of all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Love Dean and Vickey Rodgers

Dean and Vickey Rodgers
5 years ago

Dear Sam and John, so sorry to hear about Lil. She was a great friend and we have many fond memories of all of you. Our prayers are with you at this sad time,

Nancy Devenny
5 years ago

She was a caring grandmother I know you will all miss her very much

Craig Vines
5 years ago

She was always kind to me.She just loved to chatter away with me.The world is less of a place now. So sad.