Mrs. Virginia W Shepherd

Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 For Virginia Wilson Shepherd, at the age of 95, the time for her eternal peace and rest came as she was welcomed into her heavenly home on Friday, October 20th. She was born on December 30, 1921 in her parents’ home in Hildebran, NC. She was the youngest of eight children born to Sidney Andrew Wilson and Sallie Icard Wilson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of forty-six years, Russell W. Shepherd, and their cherished daughter, Robin Beckie. Also preceded in death were her siblings: Burt Wilson, Quince Wilson, Carver Wilson, Jessie W. Mitchell, Coit Wilson, Carrie W. DeBaecke, and Jettie Mae Wilson. Two step-sons, Russell and Richard, also preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory are two nieces, Shirley W. VanHorn and Vivian M. Wilson, and one nephew, Charles Carver Wilson. A special godson, Eddie Zimmerman, lives in Raleigh, NC. She was a great-aunt to thirty-four great nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great great nieces and nephews. After graduating from Hildebran High School, Virginia moved to Norfolk, VA to work for the Norfolk Naval Air Station where she met her future husband. While living in Norfolk, she became an avid bowling and boating enthusiast. After their daughter’s untimely death, Russell and Virginia moved back to Hildebran to be closer to family. Once settled, she joined a bowling league where she made many precious friendships. She was also an active and faithful member of Hildebran United Methodist Church where she married Russell in 1950, the first couple to marry there. Virginia enjoyed life to the fullest and was eager to travel, entertain, and volunteer, making lasting and positive impact on her family and a host of friends. She will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have spent time with her and witness her faith, wit, wisdom, and positive approach to living life to the fullest. A service of remembrance will be held at Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations on Tuesday, October 24th at 1:30, conducted by Reverend Tony Bowman. The family will receive at her church from 12:00-1:30 prior to the service. Pallbearers will be George Rowland, Sidney Wilson, Eddie Zimmerman, Celedonio Sanchez, Michael Harvey, and Jeff Bedford. Memorials may be directed to Hildebran United Methodist Church, PO Box 550, Hildebran, NC 28637. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5