Mildred Keller DeBell

Mildred Keller DeBell (101)` Mildred Keller DeBell (Mama) was born Mildred Lee Keller on March 16, 1918 in Fishers Hill, Shenandoah County, Virginia. On Monday, January 20, 2020, Mildred passed away at The Wellington at Lake Manassas in Gainesville, Virginia, an assisted living facility. She lived at the family homestead “Sunnyside” in Centreville, Virginia for almost 80 years where she witnessed seven generations of DeBells. She moved to Catharpin, Virginia for the past year + living with her two sons and daughter-in-laws. She fell on December 6, 2019 which ultimately led to her passing. She graduated Strasburg High School as Valedictorian in June of 1934 at the age of sixteen. Went on to Madison College in 1936 after working two years at Keller’s Store until sister Rachael Graduated. She graduated Madison College (which is now James Madison University) in 1938 and came to Centreville to teach 1st grade at Centreville Elementary School. Involved in music, rhythm band, wrote operettas and acted in plays. Started going to Saint John’s Episcopal Church where she helped raise money to buy their 1st organ in which she played and also directed the choir. She was involved with Saint John’s for over seventy five years. Married Stuart Turberville DeBell on August 3, 1940 at Fishers Hill, Virginia where they lived for the first two years of their marriage. Moved to Sunnyside Farm in 1942 where she lived for over seventy eight plus years. Even though the farm was sold in 1960, the house was moved to where it still stands today in Centreville and was sold in the fall of 2019. She helped with the dairy farming, insurance and bookkeeping services for over 25 years. Owned and operated Newgate Inn along side son Stuart, Jr. and grandson Stuart III from 1970 to 1995. She spent sixteen plus years beside husband Stuart while he was in politics and served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1952 to 1968, several years as its Chairman. Mr. DeBell represented the then Centreville District then stretching from Great Falls to Springfield. He worked with Robert E. Simon in the planning and rezoning of the then new town of Reston. Also worked with the Federal Government for the planning and location of the then new Dulles Airport. Mildred was by his side though all of this, hosting the many political dinners at their Sunnyside home and going to the many political and public functions. Mildred went through WWII with all the farm responsibilities. Involved in many organizations including March of Dimes as its Chairman, Lioness Club and many other civic activities. Charter member of Rocky Run Garden Club which started in 1950; President and member of Fairfax Zonta Club for approximately 40 years; A member of Centreville Historical Society as a Charter member. She spent many hours writing articles, organizing documents and memorabilia and sharing that information for over twenty years at Centreville Day and other local events. Mildred was named the 1st Lady of Centreville on July 6, 1995 during an annual Centreville Day Celebration and was made honorary Lady Fairfax in 2003 by the then Supervisor, Michael Frey, for the Sully District. Predeceased by husband Stuart Turberville DeBell, Sr.; son Stephen Keller DeBell, Sr.; father Silas Milton Keller and mother Mary Ella Keller (Hinkins); siblings, Dorothy Keller, Lucy Barb, Martha Welch, and Rachel Owings. Survived by sons Stuart Turberville DeBell, Jr. and John Thomas DeBell; daughter-in-laws, Brenda DeBell, Constance Templeton DeBell and Linda DeBell (widow of deceased son Stephen); nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild; and the many extended family and friends. She is being cremated and her internment will be at Saint John’s Episcopal Church later in the spring. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions can be made to Saint John's Episcopal church. Checks can be sent to the church at P.O. Box 2360 Centreville, VA 20122-2360---Memo-Memorial Fund-Mildred Keller DeBell-organ fund.

Mildred Keller DeBell

March 16, 1918 - January 20, 2020