"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

In the evening of October 27, 2025, God sent his angels down to gently take our beloved Virginia Eppes Shaw to her heavenly home. She was born July 12, 1954, in Petersburg, Virginia and was adopted by the late Weldon Sr. and Sarah Smith. Along with her adopted parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her one and only loving daughter, Jemilia Eppes; adopted sister and brothers, Barbara Ann Smith, Walter S. Tyler, Weldon Smith, Jr. and Mark D. Smith.

Virginia graduated from Petersburg Public School System. She retired from Southside Regional Medical Center where she was the parking lot attendant and later a laundry service worker. Virginia left behind not just hard work, but memories and lasting friendships.

Virginia was an endless source of love, strength, laughter, kindness, and honesty.  Her words of wisdom and advice were rarely ever sugar-coated but were relevant and always insightful. She had a generous heart and unconditional love with no expectations. She loved listening to old school music (collection of a variety of artists), watching tv (looking at westerns and in the early days horror movies), reading all sorts of genres, fishing (from the pier), eating, and spending time (laughing, praying, talking) with her family and friends.

Virginia leaves to cherish her precious memories to her devoted and loving husband, Robert Shaw; devoted god-sisters, Arvilla Reid and Gloria Claiborne; devoted god-children, Daphne Reid, Kim Reid, Shanneka Claiborne, Jalynn Reid, Makayla Beck and Barry Beck; bonus children, Kim Shaw-Taylor and Anthony Shaw; and a host of bonus grandchildren, bonus great grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Though our hearts are heavy, we will truly miss all the special moments Virginia brought into our lives and we will rejoice knowing she is now free from all hurt and pain and is now resting in God's arms.  Her legacy will live on through the family and friends she cared for and loved.

A graveside service will be held 12 Noon, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Dinwiddie Memorial Park, 7324 Church Road, North Dinwiddie, VA, the Rev. Dr. Damion T. Batts, eulogist.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.