John Anthony Dangerfield

the fifth of eight children born to the late Anthony Thomas and Effie Hackley

Dangerfield.

John joined the US Army and served in the South Pacific during WWII. His

military photograph is included in the publication, African Americans of Fauquier

County and is also on exhibit in the African American Museum of Fauquier County.

John married the former Pearl Margretta Mitchell on August 7, 1948 at Mt. Nebo

Baptist Church, Happy Creek, Va. His beloved daughter Toronda Dangerfield-

Pittman was born from this loving union.

John was employed at American Viscose/Avtex, for 42 years as a truck driver.

After retiring at 65 years young, he began what was likely his most notable occupation.

John started a career as a school crossing guard. He served the town’s children every

morning in front of Ressie Jeffries Elementary School. In September 2011, at the young

age of 87, Mayor Tim Darr and the Front Royal Town Council recognized him for 21

years of service. The Warren County Report did a feature article where they described

him as “a familiar and comforting presence.”

John loved Mt. Morris Baptist Church. He joined under the Pastorate of Rev.

William Gibbs and was baptized by the Rev. Philip Baltimore. His membership

extended during the tenure of five pastors, including Rev. Ed White, Rev. Lindsay

Greene, and the current Shepherd of the Flock, Rev. Ralph J. Williams. John sang in the

choir and served on the usher board, and as a trustee for over 50 years. During his term

on the board renovations were made to fellowship hall and the church parking lot.

Being the last surviving sibling in the Dangerfield family, he assumed the role of

Patriarch. He provided a legacy of wisdom, knowledge, ancestral history, and most

important love.

John loved visiting Toronda for Thanksgiving dinners and spending time with “her

babies”. After years of shoveling mountain deep snow, John relocated to Richmond

where he resided with Toronda and her family. While there she honored her father with

an enormous 95th birthday celebration.

As his health required increased care, John took up residence at the Sitter & Barfoot

Veterans Care Center. He always kept a song on his heart! He would serenade loved

ones over the phone with hymns he learned down through the years. John loved his visits

from Chuckie and his phone conversations with Ida.

On April 24, 2024 John relocated yet again. This time he made his final transition

to a holy city, one where the streets are paved with gold. John went to see the King!

John leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Toronda Dangerfield-Pittman; two

grandchildren, Airial Epes and Garry Callis, Jr.; five great grandchildren, Aryanna,

Makiyh, Avani, Nakari, and Taysjon; and a sister-in-law, Chandelle Mitchell. He was

preceded in death by his wife Pearl Mitchell Dangerfield. John shared very special

relationships with Charles Kenner who was like a son, and Ida Dowe, a life-long friend,

as well as a host of beloved family and very dear friends.