Ramona E Paige

Ramona Eloise Paige, 69, entered into eternal rest February 19, 2023, at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts.   Born July 21, 1953, she was the fourth of 5 children and the only daughter born to the late Adolphus C. and Helen Lightfoot Paige.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Lyric (Ricky) Paige.

Ramona was educated in the Charlottesville City School system, starting at the segregated

Jefferson Elementary School, and graduating from Lane High School where she demonstrated

superior academic gifts. After high school she matriculated to Radcliffe and Harvard University

where she earned three degrees including a BA (cum Laude) in English and American Literature and Language, as well as a Masters Degree in education. She also received academic and professional certifications from Brandeis and MIT.

After College, Ramona continued a family legacy as she pursued and established a distinguished career as a secondary educator with a focus on special education supporting students at The Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School. Ramona also worked with a number of select programs including Mass Pre-Engineering Program, Commonwealth In-service Institute and Upward Bound. After retiring, she continued to reside in Cambridge and became involved in community affairs.

Ramona accepted Christ at an early age while attending Ebenezer Baptist Church. She enjoyed

singing in the youth choir and arranged music for the junior choir. Ramona also attended St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Cambridge.

Ramona possessed a prodigious musical talent which she developed during her youth.  In addition to the piano, she was an accomplished clarinetist where she participated in her high school concert and marching bands.  Ramona performed with the renowned Kuumba Singers, a group organized in 1970 while attending Harvard where she served as a piano accompanist and served as the group’s librarian.  Ramona always possessed a passion for collecting African American dolls, some of which she loaned to the National Black Doll Museum near Boston.

Ramona was a loving and caring daughter, sister, and generous aunt. She is survived by three

brothers: Adolphus L. (Dicky) Paige, Dr. Benegal S. Paige, Sr, (Valeta) of

Charlottesville, and Nathan J. Paige (Phyllis) of Chicago, Illinois; three nieces: Dr. Christina

Paige Orr (Merle), Dr. Lauren Paige, and Logan Paige; one nephew: Benegal Paige, Jr. (Janet); 3 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews; 3 aunts: Deloris Lightfoot Jackson of New Jersey, Eloise

Paige and Alice Paige Morrell of Maryland, and a host of other cousins, friends, professional

colleagues, and long-term neighbors.

The celebration of Ramona’s life will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 113 6th Street NW, Charlottesville VA.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Black Doll Museum c/o Debra Britt, P.O Box 1332, Mansfield, MA 02048.

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