Our Shining Legacy

In this fascinating chronicle of an African American family, Jewel Waller Davis and Joyce Waller Baden trace the roots of their Waller-Dungee family of Richmond, Virginia. In 1900, their trailblazing grandfather, M. C. Waller, established a jewelry business; and their grandmother, Fannie Aribelle Williams Dungee, graduated from the Richmond Colored Normal School and became a teacher. Jewel and Joyce narrate stories, recount anecdotes and present photos of their loving and devoted parents, Richard and Florence Dungee Waller, and the village of relatives who nurtured and supported them. The authors also share endearing experiences of the six Waller siblings growing up in segregated Richmond during the 1940s-1960s. After the sudden death of their father at an early age, their mother's enduring love sustained her children. The injustices the offspring faced heightened their consciousness of the prejudice and second-class citizenship that existed. While denied opportunities, they were not deterred.The siblings persevered; and developed confidence in themselves and in their abilities. Their ideals were shaped by Waller and Dungee kin who were superb role models. Inspired by the trust in God that family members exhibited during difficult times, the Waller offspring have survived, thrived and achieved, despite discrimination and other obstacles.