Friends, family and co-workers of Gloria Vest said goodbye this past week, as the longtime Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) director passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 3. CVEC serves 14 counties, including Prince Edward, Buckingham and Cumberland. 

“Vest served CVEC’s East District for over 20 years,” CVEC officials said in a statement. “On behalf of the entire CVEC family, we extend our deepest condolences to the Vest family.“ 

Vest was an accomplished director, earning her certification as a Rural Electric Board Director from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and recently achieved Director Gold status, the highest level of training from NRECA for directors. She served as Secretary for the Board for three separate terms and served on the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives Educational Committee. 

To express its gratitude, the CVEC Board of Directors resolved to dedicate its Community Room at the newly-constructed office building in Palmyra to the first two female directors. Vest was the second female director to be elected and the Harlowe-Vest Community Room was named and dedicated in December 2017. 

Vest retired from her position as the Deputy Treasurer for Fluvanna County in 2017. She also served with the Fluvanna Volunteer Rescue Squad since 1973, serving as the Squad’s Treasurer for more than 20 years. She was also very active in Evergreen Baptist Church and volunteered in several non-profit community organizations. 

CVEC officials said Vest was a pillar of strength, determination, and stewardship, adding the group is immensely grateful for the 23 years of service that she provided to the cooperative and its 39,000 members. 

“She will be greatly missed by the CVEC staff, members, and employees,” the group said in a statement. 

CVEC members will receive a mailing detailing the process for filling the newly vacant director position. Questions regarding this process should be directed to CVEC.