Interstate 64 corridor named in honor of former New Kent supervisor Patricia Paige

Family members of late New Kent supervisor Patricia Paige (left) and New Kent County supervisors (right) stand by a sign honoring Paige during Tuesday morning's highway dedication ceremony.

Robb Johnson photo

“She is Miss New Kent.”

Those words were spoken by New Kent District 4 Supervisor Ron Stiers during Tuesday morning’s highway dedication ceremony in honor of the late Patricia Paige.

Paige was an advocate and leader for her New Kent community. Growing up in the county, her characteristic nature of keeping the world a beautiful place guided her to run for New Kent County’s Board of Supervisors. She eventually was elected and served as the first African-American woman to hold the position of chair.

One of Paige’s primary committee assignments included working with Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA). During her time on those committees, she lobbied for the expansion of Interstate 64 in New Kent. For several years, she pushed for government funding. Finally, the project received the go-ahead in 2022, with groundbreaking taking place in 2023 and Paige in attendance.

But during that time, Paige fought a personal battle against cancer. However, she did not let that sway her persistence as she continued to fight the battle. Unfortunately, on Nov. 28, 2023, the New Kent community lost one of their most prominent community leaders.

However, Paige’s impact and efforts for the expansion of the highway would not be in vain. A proposal was made to name the portion of Interstate 64 that runs through New Kent County in her honor. The proposal was approved, and now the interstate corridor will bear her name.

“I can tell you all that we would not be here today expanding this interstate corridor if it was not for Patricia’s determination,” said District 1 leader Thomas Evelyn. “If it was not for Patricia’s determination and her tenacity standing up as a catalyst for what she believed what was best for New Kent County.”

Comments made by Paige’s mother, Georgia Paige, did not leave a dry eye at the ceremony.

“Patricia was always there to help someone in need or just to speak or give a smile wherever she went,” Georgia Paige said. “She made friends wherever she went, and she was there for New Kent County and its citizens.

“But as I close, I say to Patricia ‘I love you’ and your work has spoken for you today,” Georgia Paige concluded.

Signs recognizing Patricia Paige will be placed along the stretch of the highway as well as in the two rest areas in New Kent.