Virginia Frances Shutt

She was born in Wilkes County, NC, to the late Robert Lee and Clyde Wyatt Vannoy, the oldest of six children. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, John R Shutt; son, John Eric (Julia) Shutt; grandchildren, Edward and Anna Rose; sister, Alice Vannoy Dillard of Millers Creek, NC, and several nieces and nephews.

Frances was a graduate of Glade Valley High School and Flora MacDonald College, where she received a BA in English and Social Studies. After several years of employment she returned to college and received a Master of Science in Social Work from the College of William and Mary, and participated in summer workshops at Smith College. She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social Workers and a member of the Association of University Women. Frances supervised Social Work students in graduate and undergraduate programs at Meredith College, NCSU and UNC Chapel Hill.

While working in Columbia, SC, Frances met and married her husband. She enjoyed practicing social work in various parts of the country as her husband's employer moved them. She was particularly excited by Houston, Texas, where her husband worked on the Apollo Space Program. She worked in various settings, including mental hospitals, school systems, and community mental health centers in South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and North Carolina. Her last seven years of employment were at the Tammy Lynn Center in Raleigh as social worker/project coordinator of Support Services. She also authored a handbook, "Signposts", a family guide to coping with head injuries.

Frances was a long time member of Highland UMC in Raleigh and participated in many activities, including Vice President of UMW, Sunday School teacher, and other church activities. She also worked with disadvantaged children and families with Family Promise of Wake County (formerly Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network) as a long time board member and overnight host. Civic activities included field supervisor , host, and councilor for and International Student Exchange Program. She was a member of Tuesday Afternoon Book Club, the oldest in Raleigh.

She always felt social work was her calling and believed it was her way to give back to the community. Frances was kind and caring, didn't take life too seriously, had a good sense of humor, and was constantly aware of how blessed she was. She was a "people person" with lots of friends. Once you were her friend, you were her friend forever. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Graveside Service was held at Mountlawn Cemetery, North Wilkesboro, NC, on November 22, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Family Promise of Wake County, 903 Method Road, Raleigh, NC 27606, or Highland UMC, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, you can use the links below under 'donations', or to the charity of one's choice.

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