Meet Beth Neville
Eileen Ballance '15 • July 10, 2025
Beth is a Norfolk native but, as a child, moved with her family to Nova Scotia where her family originated. She returned to Norfolk where she graduated from ODU with a B.S. in Information Technology and Accounting, then passed the CPA exam. Her CPA license is in inactive status to pursue other interests in retirement.
Beth worked as Director of Financial Systems for the Port of Virginia and was responsible for managing the port’s financial systems. She retired in January, 2025, after 20 years of service. Before working for the port, she held several accounting positions, including treasury supervisor for HQ/Hechinger/Builders Square and staff accountant for the Navy Lodge program at the Navy Exchange.
Gardening has always been a part of Beth’s life. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, everyone had a vegetable garden. Weeding the garden was a daily chore. Her father believed in living off the land as much as possible. Her grandmother was a member of the garden club and won ribbons for her plants. As an adult, Beth continues to garden and finds “digging in the dirt” very relaxing.
Beth was impressed with how organized the classes were and the knowledge and education background of the guest speakers. The classes were very informative and the training team made it fun. She also enjoyed meeting and interacting with her classmates. Beth would like to thank Blanch Wise for taking time out of her day to volunteer as her mentor and new friend.
To meet her fifty-hour requirement, Beth enjoyed working at the Children’s Garden at Ocean View, Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, and the Dune Garden. As a certified Master Gardener, she plans to continue participating in those projects. She notes that “there is always something to do at Weyanoke!”
Beth likes to hike and kayak but she believes any outdoor activity is fun. She is looking forward to traveling more next year when Chris, her husband of 24 years, retires.
Beth has been married for 24 years to her husband, Chris, who plans to retire in 2026. Her son is a Chief Warrant Officer 04 in the US Coast Guard and has two beautiful girls, ages 10 and 7. She spends all her vacation time chasing her son around the country to spend time with her grandkids. Her daughter has a career in Norfolk and also has two beautiful girls, ages 16 and 9. She is very involved with her daughters’ kids helping with homework, taking them on vacations, but mostly chauffeuring them to activities.
When you see Beth, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.
