Dessie D. Page, Jr.

Dessie D. Page, Jr. was born October 5, 1934 to Dessie and Della Page in Nashville, Tennessee. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age.  Over the years, Dessie came to be known more affectionately as “Junior,” “Buddy” and eventually “Doctor” among his loved ones and close friends. Dessie obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Tennessee State University in Nashville. After completing his undergraduate studies, he matriculated to Valparaiso University, in Indiana, where he earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.E), and Southern Illinois University where he received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A). His pursuit for excellence through higher education then took him to The Ohio State University where he was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) as well as a post doctorate degree in Vocational Education. Dr. Page is believed to be the first black student to attend Valparaiso and one of the first known black students at SIU. He was one of the pioneers for the Office of International Affairs at OSU, and later retired from the university’s Office of Career and Vocational Education for which he was a research and development specialist. The notable accomplishments of Dr. Page are too numerous to list here, but perhaps his most significant achievement was the founding of Universal Low Vision Aids, Incorporated in 1988. With the help of his wife, Dessie established ULVA to provide state-of-the-art assistive technology for blind, low vision, and learning-disabled individuals of all ages. However, his commitment to positively affect his community and society at large went beyond the realm of business, with much of his time and effort dedicated to the platforms and activities of various civic organizations. In doing so, Dr. Page leaves behind a legacy of service which is vast and far-reaching: incorporator of the Ohio chapter of The American Council for the Blind; contributor in the passage of the historic civil rights legislation, known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); an advocate and mentor for international students attending OSU, member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and Lions Club International; and a deacon of Lane Avenue Baptist Church (now Crossing Community Church) for many years. On April 13, 2018, Dr. Dessie D. Page, Jr. was called from labor to reward at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his father Dessie D. Page, Sr., mother Della Page Coleman, and two sisters, Alma Smith and Ruby Kimble. His passing is a great loss to his devoted wife of nearly 55 years, Verna L. Page; children, Derek (Jameica) Page, Eric Page and Vanessa Page Wright (Cornell); grandchildren, Sharmell Favours, Desmond, Jaylah and Anaya Page, Miles and Maceo Wright; great granddaughter Valouria Valentine; many nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.