Flora Despotides Chioros, 63, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at the Williamsburg Hospice House.
Flora was born in Washington, DC and was raised in Potomac, MD. She grew up working at her parents’ nursery learning about flowers and plants which became a lifelong passion.
She graduated from RISD, Rhode Island School of Design in 1989 and moved to Newport News in 1999. She worked for the Newport News Planning Department for 25 years where she was named Assistant Director. She was so dedicated to her job that she could be reached at all times to answer any questions from zoning to land use.
Flora took pride in her community and was active in many civic organizations. She was a member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, the President of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres from 2004-2006 for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a member of the National Philoptochos Board of Directors of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, President of the Newport News Rotary Club in 2016, a member of The Newport News Green Foundation, and School Board President at Trinity Lutheran School in Newport News, VA. In 2007 she received the Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center of the Inclusive Communities.
Flora lived life by her parents’ example. She worked hard and loved hard. She cherished her family and had enduring friendships.
She was the Loving Presvytera of Rev. George Chioros for 37 years; devoted mother of Constantine “Dean” Chioros; daughter of the late Rev. Nicholas and Presbytera Moshca Despotides, daughter-in-law of Theodora Chioros and the late Constantine Chioros; sister of the late John Despotides; sister-in-law of William (JoAnne) Chioros, and Tina (Lawrence) Woods, and Aunt to Deanna (Sean) Riordan, Taylor (Peyton) Gehm and Anthony Woods; Great-Aunt of Troy Constantine Gehm and many other relatives in Greece & the USA. The family wishes to thank Leila and Susan who cared for Flora and became part of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Newport News, VA.
