New Kent District 3 Board of Supervisor, Patricia Paige, passes away

New Kent County District 3 Board of Supervisor member Patricia Paige has passed away.

The announcement came on the morning of Nov. 28, with New Kent County confirming that she had succumbed.

Even from an early age, Paige had a passion for giving back to the community and a love of service. After graduating New Kent High School in the early 1970s, she served in the United States Army Reserves for 21 years while. In 2015, Paige became more involved in local government, specifically the Clean County Committee, and began her career in politics. With former supervisor Jimmy Burrell announcing his intention not to run for the District 3 chair in New Kent in 2015, Paige announced her bid, successfully claiming the seat. She retained her position in 2019 and again recently as she was voted into the District 3 chair in 2023.

As a member of New Kent’s Board of Supervisors, Paige struck a balance of involving the youth and supporting the elderly generation. Her involvement led to the appointment of high school students to active county committees, the first time that had happened in the county. She was also part of the establishment of the Chickahominy Triad, an organization that helps the elderly learn about several dangers in the technological and provide several safety measures for them.

One of the biggest impacts that Paige made in her leadership role was pushing for the expansion of Interstate 64 in New Kent. With many traffic jams and accidents taking place on the two-lane highway in both directions that stretches from mile marker 205 to 224, Paige fought for nine years to have the expansion take place. Finally, in Dec. 2022 a $25 million federal grant was announced for the expansion of Interstate 64 between mile markers 205 and 215. On Nov. 13 of this year, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a $756 million project to widen the gaps of Interstate over a 29-mile stretch, with a majority of that distance taking place in New Kent County. The preliminary work for the project recently started with plans that the project will be completed by Spring 2028.

“We are deeply saddened by the great loss we have experienced in New Kent County,” said New Kent County Administrator Rodney Hathaway on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. “Mrs. Paige truly loved the residents that she was deeply honored to represent and her legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to our community and region will forever be remembered and cherished.”

One of the things that Paige was known for was being an advocate and a fighter, especially when it came to cancer. Paige, who survived the disease herself on several occasions, was at the forefront when organizing events including New Kent’s Relay for Life. Whether she was the Mistress of Ceremonies or spent the evening lighting remembrance candles, Paige was vocal in her battle and fought it alongside other survivors while still maintaining the dignity and respect for those who had succumbed to the disease.

From her continuous smile to her involvement in New Kent, Paige’s infectious personality was one of several reasons why citizens flocked to her. Posts on social media praised her for her impartiality and dedication to the county. But the best identification for her was that she was “A Treasure.”

Funeral arrangements for Paige will be announced at a further date.