Mrs. Gustavia Marie Dalcourt Wise

Mrs. Gustavia “Gussie” Marie Dalcourt Wise was born August 3, 1929, in St. Martinsville, LA. God called her from this life to eternal rest on August 22, 2023.  

Mrs. Wise lived a life of service guided by her strong faith that she developed as a young girl. She graduated from Holy Rosary Institute (High School for Girls), Lafayette, LA in 1948. After graduation from she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse at the Coinson School of Practical Nursing in New Orleans receiving her LPN degree and then certification in 1950.

While in New Orleans, she met her husband, Nathaniel Wise who was serving in the U.S. Army. Their life together took them to Colorado, Canada, and Virginia. A love of travel and adventure was born. Gussie was active in auxiliaries for military wives working on several committees. That energetic spirit carried over into her work at the childcare center at Ft. Eustis, VA and her years working as a teacher’s aide in the Newport News Public School System. She found great joy helping kindergarteners through fifth grade students strengthen their reading skills. Even after retirement she returned as a volunteer to assist children needing help with reading. After the untimely death of her husband, Sergeant Major Nathaniel Wise (ret), she worked out her grief through volunteer opportunities.

Mrs. Wise volunteered in the Hampton Roads community for over 31 years. She freely gave her time at the information desk of Mary Immaculate Hospital for over 13,500 hours giving visitors patient room numbers and directions, working the Concierge Desk to escort visitors and patients to appointments, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister.  As a member of the Mary Immaculate Hospital Auxiliary, she chaired many fundraising events. Mrs. Wise was active at both the local and the state level in the Virginia Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries and Volunteers (VAHAV). She was the Hampton Roads District Chairperson for 4 years and served as the Emblems Chairperson.

Mrs. Wise was active in civic duties working at polling places during elections. At St. Jerome Catholic Church, Gussie taught Religious Education classes, sponsored new members, served on the Justice and Peace Committee, and performed her duties as a Eucharistic Minister. Mrs. Wise had a particular heart for the homeless. She worked countless hours collecting toiletries to prepare hygiene kits for homeless men and women participating in the 20-week PORT Winter Shelter Program in Newport News. Mrs. Wise was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, where she served as Buddy Poppy chairperson and volunteered for Bingo at the Hampton VA hospital. She was an inaugural member of the Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving twice as Regent of CDA. She received numerous awards, certificates, and recognitions. Mrs. Wise received the Good Samaritan Award from Denbigh Progress Arms, Inc., Emblems Chair Certificate from the VAHAV, and recognition for her role as VFW Auxiliary Buddy Poppy Chairperson.  Gussie was a 2011 Senior Hero and received Channel 10’s “10 Who Care Award”.

In her free time, Gussie loved to bowl. Her many trophies attest to a commitment to the sport. She loved to cook and travel. She visited Germany, Italy, France, Canada, New Mexico, North Dakota, California, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, New York, Missouri, Bermuda, and Aruba.

Mrs. Wise was predeceased by her husband, Sergeant Major Nathaniel Wise, and one son, Nathaniel Joseph Wise. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn M. Wise-Blackman (Reginald Blackman), Kenneth P. Wise (Sherrian), James A. Wise (Rhonda), and Glenn A. Wise, grandchildren, James A. Wise, Jr., LaTrail Cook (Thomas), Kenny P. Wise, Jr., Celica D. Wise, Myisha Wise, Jamal A. Wise, Adrian J. Wise, and Justin Blackman, bonus grandchildren, Avery (Imani), Alex, and Alexys, 6 great-grandchildren, one niece, Anita Provost, her sister-in-law, Audrey Provost, and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.

Public viewing, 12 Noon to 8 PM, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Steven L. Lyons Funeral Home, 1515 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh. The family will be present from 6 PM to 8 PM for a Wake. 

Funeral Mass, 10 AM, Friday, September 1, 2023, St. Jerome Catholic Church, 116 Denbigh Boulevard, Newport News, VA.   Interment, Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA.  Viewing and Wake on Thursday, August 31, 2023, 5 PM to 8 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 12893 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA.  

Final Arrangements will be handled by Altmeyer Funeral Home, 12893 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23608 (757)874-4200.

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