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AARP’s Olivia Dabney honored with Virginia Beach Mayor’s Award
Caroline Tetschner
To spend even a few minutes with Olivia Dabney is to experience the kind of warmth that instantly puts people at ease. Her smile is genuine, her spirit contagious, and her commitment to serving others unmistakable.
Caroline Tetschner
That lifelong dedication was recognized on May 27, when the longtime AARP volunteer and Executive Council member received the prestigious Dr. Lanny Hampel Award for Exemplary Service to Seniors from Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer.
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Caroline Tetschner
Dabney, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, admitted she was completely caught off guard by the honor. “I had no idea about this,” she said with a wide smile, carefully holding the heavy glass trophy in her hands. Then, laughing, she added, “If I had known, I would’ve had my hair professionally done!”
Caroline Tetschner
According to AARP Virginia Community Outreach Director Philisa Johnson, Dabney was an easy choice for the award, which recognizes outstanding service to seniors, because she has “exemplified a servant’s heart her entire life, leading with love, compassion, and dedication.”
The award itself carries deep significance. It is named after Dr. Lanny Hampel, who in 1988 became the first chair of the city’s Commission on Aging after being appointed by then-Mayor Meyera Oberndorf.
At the award ceremony, friends and supporters repeatedly stopped to congratulate Dabney, eager to share stories of the impact she has had on their lives. “Olivia is the real deal,” said friend Jo Cheryl while leaning in for a congratulatory hug. “She’s always a positive light and deeply involved in her community.”
A retired Virginia Beach educator, Dabney dedicated nearly 35 years to education, serving in roles ranging from preschool teacher to superintendent in both public and private schools.
Ironically, retirement initially looked very different for the energetic leader.
“I was home in the bed a lot, just taking it easy and pretending to cook when my husband came home,” she recalled with laughter. The contrast between that brief season of rest and the nonstop volunteer she is today makes her chuckle. “But I got bored quickly,” she said. “From there, I knew I had to keep busy.”
Busy, indeed.
In addition to her nine years of volunteer work with AARP, Dabney has served for decades on multiple advisory boards, including Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, the Virginia Commission for Southern Colleges and Schools, and as an ombudsman for a local Alzheimer’s support group.
Yet despite an impressive résumé and countless accolades, humility remains at the center of who she is. Dabney credits much of her success to her faith and begins each day with gratitude. “I thank God every morning that I get another day to serve Him and serve people with honor and pride,” she said.
For someone with such a packed schedule, one might wonder how she maintains the energy to keep giving so much of herself to others. Her answer comes easily.
“Making a difference in people’s lives doesn’t feel like work.”
Growing up with seven siblings, Dabney says service was woven into the fabric of her upbringing. “We learned to help each other,” she said. “My dad and grandfather taught us the importance of helping others while expecting nothing in return.”
On this special day, however, Dabney received something in return: heartfelt recognition for decades of service that have touched thousands of lives throughout the community.
It is safe to say her father and grandfather would be incredibly proud.
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