Meet the Board
Linda Kelley - President
Linda joined the Board in 2016 by assuming a part of the term of the previous Executive Membership Chair. In 2017, Linda was elected for a two-year term. She has served the Guild previously as Post Office Chair.
Linda is married to Steve Kelley and has a son, Wayne. She has been quilting since before Wayne was born; he is now over 30 years old. She prefers machine over hand work and quilts “by check.”
She has been in the legal field since 1972 and worked with a judge on the Virginia Court of Appeals. She retired in October 2019.
She loves everything to do with the beach and the ocean, including shelling and looking for sea glass.
Linda joined the Board in 2016 by assuming a part of the term of the previous Executive Membership Chair. In 2017, Linda was elected for a two-year term. She has served the Guild previously as Post Office Chair.
Linda is married to Steve Kelley and has a son, Wayne. She has been quilting since before Wayne was born; he is now over 30 years old. She prefers machine over hand work and quilts “by check.”
She has been in the legal field since 1972 and worked with a judge on the Virginia Court of Appeals. She retired in October 2019.
She loves everything to do with the beach and the ocean, including shelling and looking for sea glass.
First Vice President - Debby Coleman
During a trip to the American Museum in Bath, England Debby fell in love with quilts. She had to wait until she retired from her job as a Child Protection lawyer following her marriage 14 years ago, before she had the time to indulge her love. Since then she has developed into a broad and eclectic quilter, enjoying. both hand and machine piecing, modern and traditional. Her quilting has benefitted from the opportunity to live in the US for the last 9 years and prior to that on an American airbase in Germany as her husband continues his military service with the Royal Air Force.
Debby has filled a number of positions on the Board and is currently 1st Vice President before assuming responsibility for the next TQG Quilt Show in 2024.
During a trip to the American Museum in Bath, England Debby fell in love with quilts. She had to wait until she retired from her job as a Child Protection lawyer following her marriage 14 years ago, before she had the time to indulge her love. Since then she has developed into a broad and eclectic quilter, enjoying. both hand and machine piecing, modern and traditional. Her quilting has benefitted from the opportunity to live in the US for the last 9 years and prior to that on an American airbase in Germany as her husband continues his military service with the Royal Air Force.
Debby has filled a number of positions on the Board and is currently 1st Vice President before assuming responsibility for the next TQG Quilt Show in 2024.
Second Vice President – Linda Reynolds
Sewing has been source of enjoyment for Linda since her teenage years. Making clothes for herself at first, then after marriage for her husband also (do you remember leisure suits?) and eventually for her 5 children. She actually began her first quilt in the early 1970’s, a whole cloth quilt with lots of cross-stitch embroidery. The embroidery was finished within a year but the quilting didn’t get done for a bunch of years. Being an Army wife and moving six times back and forth across the country over 12 years while taking care of kids as they came along…..that quilt was not a high priority. After her husband got off Army active duty they moved to Virginia Beach where she worked for several years as an RN. Eventually becoming a stay at home mom she was able to join the Tidewater Quilters Guild…#598. The guild was meeting at that time at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens and she took her first workshop, learning to do hand quilting. So that long neglected quilt finally got finished- 20 years after starting it. She returned to work for the Virginia Beach Public Library as a library technician. After 17 years she retired in 2005 and was able to rejoin TQG, making new friends, taking many workshops expanding her quilting skills, being postmistress for 2 terms and 2nd VP for 3 terms. Needle turn appliqué and longarm quilting have become her favorite projects. One daughter and one daughter-in-law have become quilters also and it is exciting for her to observe their progress.
Sewing has been source of enjoyment for Linda since her teenage years. Making clothes for herself at first, then after marriage for her husband also (do you remember leisure suits?) and eventually for her 5 children. She actually began her first quilt in the early 1970’s, a whole cloth quilt with lots of cross-stitch embroidery. The embroidery was finished within a year but the quilting didn’t get done for a bunch of years. Being an Army wife and moving six times back and forth across the country over 12 years while taking care of kids as they came along…..that quilt was not a high priority. After her husband got off Army active duty they moved to Virginia Beach where she worked for several years as an RN. Eventually becoming a stay at home mom she was able to join the Tidewater Quilters Guild…#598. The guild was meeting at that time at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens and she took her first workshop, learning to do hand quilting. So that long neglected quilt finally got finished- 20 years after starting it. She returned to work for the Virginia Beach Public Library as a library technician. After 17 years she retired in 2005 and was able to rejoin TQG, making new friends, taking many workshops expanding her quilting skills, being postmistress for 2 terms and 2nd VP for 3 terms. Needle turn appliqué and longarm quilting have become her favorite projects. One daughter and one daughter-in-law have become quilters also and it is exciting for her to observe their progress.
Executive Membership - Pat Carney
Before assuming the office of Executive Membership Chair, Pat held the the offices of First Vice President and Second Vice President, as well as coordinating programs and many volunteer positions in the Guild.
Pat’s real sewing began with 7th grade home economics. Through the years, she enjoyed making clothes for herself and her daughter and curtains and duvet covers for the many houses in which she lived as a Navy wife. In the 1980s Pat became involved with making band flags for a marching band. A fellow flag-maker suggested she go to the local quilt guild (Clam Shell Quilters, Waterford, CT). Mary Ellen Hopkins presented a program and Pat was hooked. Most of her quilts have been made as gifts for others – so many baby quilts. The guilds have allowed Pat to take classes from some of the best teachers and she is inspired by what fellow guild members do. Her passion is hand applique using techniques she learned participating in guild workshops and, particularly, Spring Fling.
Pat’s professional life involved making hydrographic maps for companies in Virginia Beach and Connecticut. She and her husband have two children and two grandchildren. Her great pride is passing her on love of sewing and knitting to her granddaughter.
Before assuming the office of Executive Membership Chair, Pat held the the offices of First Vice President and Second Vice President, as well as coordinating programs and many volunteer positions in the Guild.
Pat’s real sewing began with 7th grade home economics. Through the years, she enjoyed making clothes for herself and her daughter and curtains and duvet covers for the many houses in which she lived as a Navy wife. In the 1980s Pat became involved with making band flags for a marching band. A fellow flag-maker suggested she go to the local quilt guild (Clam Shell Quilters, Waterford, CT). Mary Ellen Hopkins presented a program and Pat was hooked. Most of her quilts have been made as gifts for others – so many baby quilts. The guilds have allowed Pat to take classes from some of the best teachers and she is inspired by what fellow guild members do. Her passion is hand applique using techniques she learned participating in guild workshops and, particularly, Spring Fling.
Pat’s professional life involved making hydrographic maps for companies in Virginia Beach and Connecticut. She and her husband have two children and two grandchildren. Her great pride is passing her on love of sewing and knitting to her granddaughter.
Treasurer - Debi Harding. In 1978, while living in Hawaii, Debi learned to quilt and applique from the Hawaiian women at the local outdoor park pavilions, where they met weekly. Moving from Kentucky to Tidewater VA in 1986, she immediately joined Tidewater Quilters Guild. Was very active with guild and quilting, until returning to work in 1997. Since retirement in 2020, she is still trying to keep up with many quilting projects, but still never seems to find enough time! She has served in most TQG Board positions throughout her membership.
Executive Secretary - Lola McCracken has served as Co-Coordinator for Day Chapter, Editor of the TQG Newsletter, Publicity Co-Chair for TQG Quilt Shows and Raffle Quilt Chair.
In addition to membership in TQG, she is a member of the Marietta Mothers’ Day Quilters (Marietta, Georgia). The MMDQ members (eight) have been meeting for 40 years EVERY Mother’s Day weekend to quilt although only five ladies still live in Georgia. She has participated in numerous TQG classes, and has improved her quilting skills since moving to Virginia Beach. Lola has also acquired many new skills from her very talented Wednesday Bee members. After retiring from university teaching (including Georgia Tech in Atlanta), Lola has made more quilts in Virginia than in the entire 30 years of quilting. Most are given away.
Lola is a published author, and her articles have appeared in American Quilter, Quilt Life and numerous travel magazines.
She and her husband, Stuart Gordon, enjoy traveling to places where they have incredible adventures (cattle drives, hot air ballooning, African safaris, snow mobiling, skiing, snow shoeing, horseback trekking, etc.). Together, Stuart and Lola have 4 children and 3 grandchildren, all of whom (except one grandson) live in the local area.
In addition to membership in TQG, she is a member of the Marietta Mothers’ Day Quilters (Marietta, Georgia). The MMDQ members (eight) have been meeting for 40 years EVERY Mother’s Day weekend to quilt although only five ladies still live in Georgia. She has participated in numerous TQG classes, and has improved her quilting skills since moving to Virginia Beach. Lola has also acquired many new skills from her very talented Wednesday Bee members. After retiring from university teaching (including Georgia Tech in Atlanta), Lola has made more quilts in Virginia than in the entire 30 years of quilting. Most are given away.
Lola is a published author, and her articles have appeared in American Quilter, Quilt Life and numerous travel magazines.
She and her husband, Stuart Gordon, enjoy traveling to places where they have incredible adventures (cattle drives, hot air ballooning, African safaris, snow mobiling, skiing, snow shoeing, horseback trekking, etc.). Together, Stuart and Lola have 4 children and 3 grandchildren, all of whom (except one grandson) live in the local area.
Norene Skiles - Newsletter Editor
Norene became the Newsletter Editor for TQG, July 2017. This is her first elected position, but has served the board in the past has Head Librarian, Web-mistress (before it was an elected position), and several Night Chapter appointed positions over the past 15 plus years as a TQG member.
She began sewing at age 9, making doll clothes for her Barbie. Over the years she sewed clothing for herself and her two daughters, as well as home items as she moved around following her husband’s Naval career. Norene worked as a public school teacher and then Library Media Specialist with Virginia Beach Public Schools. She is currently retired and reports that she quilts everyday. She has two daughters (both quilters) and 4 grandchildren. Her only granddaughter has shown an interest in sewing , and Norene enjoys spending time teaching her those skills.
She began quilting with the birth her first grandchild about 20 years ago and has not stopped. Over the years she has made many baby quilts for co-workers and family. Since retiring, she has began working on larger quilts. The creative aspect of design is her favorite part of quilting. Some of her quilts involve creating her own fabrics, and most of her quilts are self– drafted, pieced and quilted. Machine quilting and piecing are her primary means of creating quilts.
Norene became the Newsletter Editor for TQG, July 2017. This is her first elected position, but has served the board in the past has Head Librarian, Web-mistress (before it was an elected position), and several Night Chapter appointed positions over the past 15 plus years as a TQG member.
She began sewing at age 9, making doll clothes for her Barbie. Over the years she sewed clothing for herself and her two daughters, as well as home items as she moved around following her husband’s Naval career. Norene worked as a public school teacher and then Library Media Specialist with Virginia Beach Public Schools. She is currently retired and reports that she quilts everyday. She has two daughters (both quilters) and 4 grandchildren. Her only granddaughter has shown an interest in sewing , and Norene enjoys spending time teaching her those skills.
She began quilting with the birth her first grandchild about 20 years ago and has not stopped. Over the years she has made many baby quilts for co-workers and family. Since retiring, she has began working on larger quilts. The creative aspect of design is her favorite part of quilting. Some of her quilts involve creating her own fabrics, and most of her quilts are self– drafted, pieced and quilted. Machine quilting and piecing are her primary means of creating quilts.
Day Chapter Coordinator - Mary Witwer
Mary has been a member of TQG since 2018, and continues to be inspired by other members, as well as participating in fantastic educational opportunities sponsored by the guild. Fortunately, she grew up inspired by her mother’s multiple talents in sewing and crafts. Being taught to embroider at age five thwarted any complaints of boredom. As a Navy wife, sewing garments for herself and children naturally evolved into teaching English smocking in Boston (with her southern accent), which led to her fascination with all things quilting. On the professional side, as an LCSW, Mary retired with 30 years from City of Virginia Beach Mental Health Emergency Services as program manager. Needless to say, sewing was, and still is, her primary de-stressor. However, being among so many creative, positive and energetic quilters in TQG is by far a rewarding way to maintain positive mental health as well as increase skills.
Mary has been a member of TQG since 2018, and continues to be inspired by other members, as well as participating in fantastic educational opportunities sponsored by the guild. Fortunately, she grew up inspired by her mother’s multiple talents in sewing and crafts. Being taught to embroider at age five thwarted any complaints of boredom. As a Navy wife, sewing garments for herself and children naturally evolved into teaching English smocking in Boston (with her southern accent), which led to her fascination with all things quilting. On the professional side, as an LCSW, Mary retired with 30 years from City of Virginia Beach Mental Health Emergency Services as program manager. Needless to say, sewing was, and still is, her primary de-stressor. However, being among so many creative, positive and energetic quilters in TQG is by far a rewarding way to maintain positive mental health as well as increase skills.
Night Chapter Coordinator - Kelly Watkins
Kelly joined the guild in 2019, shortly after moving to Virginia Beach from Pennsylvania. She is currently the Education Director for Tidewater Sew Vac, where she gets to share her love of sewing through event planning and assisting a team of Educators put all the pieces together for their classes. They even let her order the fabric for all the locations. But her favorite part of her job is when she gets to be in the classroom herself. She has taught everything over the years from beginner quilting classes to embroidery events, and currently teaches Ruler of the Month Club at three of their locations. She also has a part time “fun job” as a personal trainer. If she’s not in front of her sewing machine, you’ll find her at the gym with a barbell in her hands.
Her Mom taught her to sew when she was young, and she made her first quilt at fourteen, which is still being used by her ten year old son, Robby. She took a break from sewing for a few years before taking up purse and tote bag making in her early twenties. After making two sampler quilts and a simple bargello for her nieces and nephew, she was hooked, and has been a quilter ever since. She loves to put every stitch in her quilts from the first to the last. By the time she has finished the top, she is usually tired of piecing and more than happy to move onto the free motion quilting, which means at least some of the time her projects actually get finished.
Kelly joined the guild in 2019, shortly after moving to Virginia Beach from Pennsylvania. She is currently the Education Director for Tidewater Sew Vac, where she gets to share her love of sewing through event planning and assisting a team of Educators put all the pieces together for their classes. They even let her order the fabric for all the locations. But her favorite part of her job is when she gets to be in the classroom herself. She has taught everything over the years from beginner quilting classes to embroidery events, and currently teaches Ruler of the Month Club at three of their locations. She also has a part time “fun job” as a personal trainer. If she’s not in front of her sewing machine, you’ll find her at the gym with a barbell in her hands.
Her Mom taught her to sew when she was young, and she made her first quilt at fourteen, which is still being used by her ten year old son, Robby. She took a break from sewing for a few years before taking up purse and tote bag making in her early twenties. After making two sampler quilts and a simple bargello for her nieces and nephew, she was hooked, and has been a quilter ever since. She loves to put every stitch in her quilts from the first to the last. By the time she has finished the top, she is usually tired of piecing and more than happy to move onto the free motion quilting, which means at least some of the time her projects actually get finished.
Saturday Chapter Coordinator - Deb Garrett
We moved to the Tidewater area 2 years ago. I am a retired RN, and I’ve had a needle in my hand as long as I can remember. However I didn’t start my quilting adventure until around 2008. Quilting is what I consider therapy, playing and as an art form. It is a source of happiness, joy, as well as tears and frustration. My mantra is “what if.”
We moved to the Tidewater area 2 years ago. I am a retired RN, and I’ve had a needle in my hand as long as I can remember. However I didn’t start my quilting adventure until around 2008. Quilting is what I consider therapy, playing and as an art form. It is a source of happiness, joy, as well as tears and frustration. My mantra is “what if.”
Community Services Chair - Cindy Reno
Raffle Quilt Chair - Ann Walls
Ann Walls assumed the position of Raffle Quilt Officer in June 2022. Prior to this, she served terms as President, Membership Chair, Programs Chair and Day Chapter Coordinator.
She has sewn since she was a young girl but did not start to quilt until her neighbor took her to the Mancuso show when it was in Williamsburg in early 2000s. She had no idea you could do all that “stuff” with fabric. She likes to try new techniques and rarely does the same pattern twice. As much as she likes quilts, she dislikes the process of actually quilting them and was very happy to learn that you could quilt “by check”. So she pays a very talented long arm quilter to quilt for her.
She worked as a secretary working her way up from Clerk-Typist to the Admiral’s Secretary in Jacksonville, Florida. She spent 13 years in night school and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She ended up in this area through an intern program for Traffic Management (this involves freight not vehicles). This internship allowed her to earn her MBA.
She and her husband, Glenn, celebrated their 30th anniversary in July 2022. They have one daughter who graduated from Virginia Tech and is living on Johns Island, SC, with her husband, Ethan.
In addition to the guild, she is also active with St. Michael Lutheran Church in Virginia Beach.
Ann Walls assumed the position of Raffle Quilt Officer in June 2022. Prior to this, she served terms as President, Membership Chair, Programs Chair and Day Chapter Coordinator.
She has sewn since she was a young girl but did not start to quilt until her neighbor took her to the Mancuso show when it was in Williamsburg in early 2000s. She had no idea you could do all that “stuff” with fabric. She likes to try new techniques and rarely does the same pattern twice. As much as she likes quilts, she dislikes the process of actually quilting them and was very happy to learn that you could quilt “by check”. So she pays a very talented long arm quilter to quilt for her.
She worked as a secretary working her way up from Clerk-Typist to the Admiral’s Secretary in Jacksonville, Florida. She spent 13 years in night school and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She ended up in this area through an intern program for Traffic Management (this involves freight not vehicles). This internship allowed her to earn her MBA.
She and her husband, Glenn, celebrated their 30th anniversary in July 2022. They have one daughter who graduated from Virginia Tech and is living on Johns Island, SC, with her husband, Ethan.
In addition to the guild, she is also active with St. Michael Lutheran Church in Virginia Beach.
Technology Officer - Darlene Price
While fairly new to quilting, Darlene has been around a needle and thread and a sewing machine all of her life. After she retired from life as a Commercial Real Estate Paralegal her goal was to figure out quilting. In 2013, armed with a needle, thread and cardboard templates she embarked on her first quilt. When she got to the binding, she couldn’t figure out how to do that by hand so she bought a machine. Darlene hasn't looked back and is the happiest she has ever been.
While fairly new to quilting, Darlene has been around a needle and thread and a sewing machine all of her life. After she retired from life as a Commercial Real Estate Paralegal her goal was to figure out quilting. In 2013, armed with a needle, thread and cardboard templates she embarked on her first quilt. When she got to the binding, she couldn’t figure out how to do that by hand so she bought a machine. Darlene hasn't looked back and is the happiest she has ever been.