Della June Lamb

On April 28, 2018, the world lost the most caring, dedicated, loving and honest person ever known, Della June Lamb, 81, of Gloucester, VA. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Ramsdell. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, David Walsh (Teresa), Danny Walsh (Jan); son-in-law, Bob Ramsdell; daughter, Denise Reed (Wayne); nine grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. She was a true icon and will live on within the hearts of all who learned so much from her.

Della was born and raised in Pennsylvania where she raised 4 kids on her own. She was a strict but loving mother who put the needs of her children before her own. She moved to Virginia in the early 70’s to run the Virginian Restaurant best known as Jackass Flats in Lanexa, VA. After the restaurant was sold in 1974, she worked two jobs. She would start her day at Rose’s Department Store in Williamsburg, VA, where she worked as a Department Manager. After finishing an 8 hour shift at Rose’s, it was common for Della to then walk over to Sal’s by Victor and working until closing. Even after working sixteen hours, Della still felt there was more to be done. She would leave work only to then go home and clean her house. Her family never knew her house to have a speck of dust. “You could literally eat off of her floors” her family would joke in a serious way. Her friends could not figure out where she got her strength and energy because she was the woman that never stopped. Della loved to work and rarely had a day off.

After many years of balancing two jobs, when Rose’s Department Store closed, Della continued to work at Sal’s from open to close. She was employed at Sal’s by Victor for over 30 years. Sal’s was her home away from home and she thought of all her co-workers and customers as family, especially the owner, Victor Minichiello. Victor was more of a third son to her than a boss. He was always looking after her needs the moment she walked in the door of Sal’s; but it was more than that. Their bond continued even after Della no longer worked for him.

Della was best known as Delina to all of her Sal’s family. Her genuine personality to care for others needs blessed so many lives and impacted so many people. Whether it was a customer, friend, family, or a complete stranger, she would help you in any way she could. That is the person Della was, a person who cared most about other people. She was always compelled to fulfill the need to help and serve others. Della was driven by strength and independence. After the loss of her leg in 2008, she never slowed down. She always had to be moving. She was determined to do things on her own and she was strong willed enough to let you know it.

She moved to Gloucester, VA in 2011 to where she later found The Gloucester Senior Center in 2015. Once again, Della found a place where she felt needed to serve, caring for, and love others. She was very well known and respected in various communities. It was rare for her to go anywhere without running into someone she knew. Della loved her family very much and she will be missed every day.May she RIP as she enters her Eternal Life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, in Williamsburg. Family and friends will gather at Sal’s by Victor following the service.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Gloucester Senior Center off Main Street in Gloucester, VA, checks payable to Bay Again, P.O. Box 475, Gloucester, 23061, noted for Senior Activity and Lunch outings. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.