Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Virginia and Dan were married for 72 years and filled their lives with laughter, adventure, and community service. As life-long learners, Virginia and Dan always saw opportunities in every situation, and achieved many accomplishments including Virginia being the first person to earn a PhD in Biology from the University of Memphis, and Dan becoming the oldest active CPA in Tennessee at the young age of 92. 

Together they raised a family of three children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren who all affectionately call them Nona and Edaddy. They filled their years of retirement painting, ballroom dancing, traveling (visiting 6 continents!), and supporting their grandchildren's educational and musical endeavors. They spent thousands of dedicated volunteer hours with their church and with various committees and clubs at their retirement community. Virginia and Dan were known to many as warm, funny, generous, hardworking, and a united force determined to do whatever they put their energy towards in life. 

Having had a happy and loving life together, Virginia and Dan passed away a short 11 weeks apart in October 2023 and January 2024, respectively. This gift underwriting the concert season is given in their memory by granddaughter Megan O'Roark and husband Darwin Fu to honor their volunteer spirit and support for the arts. Megan is a former board member and long-time violinist in the NPO.