Estella Dailey Obituary

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved grandmother, Estella M. Dailey, who departed this life on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 89, quietly at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.
Estella was born on February 21, 1936, in Fairmont, North Carolina, to Elbert McNair, Sr., and Rosa F. (McNair) Foye. She was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and loyal friend whose kindness, wisdom, and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her.
Estella attended Booker T. Washington High School and later earned her G.E.D. She continued her education at Tidewater Community College, where she received an Associate's degree in Community and Social Services. She went on to pursue higher education at Norfolk State University, earning both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work.
She devoted her life to raising her family, serving her community, and working in various caregiving and service roles. Estella worked as a nurse at Creedmoor State Hospital in Queens, NY, and at Guardian Care Nursing Home in Portsmouth, VA. She also worked in the mailroom of the U.S. Postal Service in Long Island, NY. Later, she joined Norfolk Academy, where she served students with nutritious meals and shared conversations about their common interests.
She had a passion for gardening, caregiving, and mission work, all rooted in her strong faith. Estella was also known for delivering phone books and newspapers around Portsmouth, VA, often with her grandchildren by her side. She was an avid reader who enjoyed crossword puzzles, visiting yard sales, and collecting small knick-knacks.
Estella was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert McNair, Sr., and Rosa F. (McNair) Foye; sister, Esther (McNair) Hall; brothers, James Floyd and Elbert McNair, Jr.; her son, Walter W. Dailey, Jr.; daughter, Saundra V. Dailey; and grandson, Demetrius D Dailey.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Monique, Andre, Ayisha, Tiffany, Aletha, Anthony, Denitra, and Aaron; great-grandchildren, Kevin, Dominique, Kyla, Ciarra, Neiori, Nateo, Emerald, Chase, Roosevelt, Aerion, Hayden, Jace, Lyasha, Kyron, Andrea, C.J., Nick, Waddell Jr, Donye, Andree, Nyrell; five great-great grandchildren; nieces, Venita, Denise, Reanell, Clarise, and Leesa, and a host other family members and friends.
Her legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
The family asks that flowers be sent to the Metropolitan Funeral Service, where the family will receive visitors and guests.
Viewing:
Sunday, August 10, 2025
12 Noon to 4:00 PM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
5605 Portsmouth Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA
Celebration of Life:
COME IN PERSON OR WATCH ONLINE
Monday, August 11, 2025
11:00 AM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
5605 Portsmouth Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA
Laid to Rest:
Roosevelt Memorial Park
1101 Campostella Road
Chesapeake, VA