Virginia Maxfield Massie

Virginia Maxfield Massie of Williamsburg, VA, (94), passed away peacefully July 29, 2021 in her daughter’s home surrounded by family members whom she loved so much. Born May 6, 1927 in Clifton Forge, VA to Earl Gilman Maxfield and Ethel Morrill Maxfield, Virginia moved with her parents and brother, Burton G. Maxfield, to New Bern, NC then to Newport News, VA where she attended Morrison High. It was there that she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Jack Livingston Massie. The two wasted no time starting a family and starting a business. Jack L. Massie Contractor, Inc. found its roots on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, VA where Jack and Virginia, thoroughly committed to their work, lived in the apartment above their shop. By 1964, both their home and their operation would move to James City County where Jack and Virginia worked tirelessly side by side and, along with their sons and grandchildren, built their business from a small start-up company to a well-respected entity known for quality of work and integrity of management. While Jack managed the construction end of the company, Virginia managed the office and was the ever-present, ever-tireless, ever-encouraging, ever-willing helpmate and confidant providing support and love both at work and at home. Virginia loved her family. Her children, Steve Massie (and Pam), Gary Massie (and Linda) and Faith Massie Willin (and R.C.) would learn much from their exposure to her life. She taught them how to be willing servants, to think the best of others, to be content with their lives while also striving to make the best of their lives. She taught them to give generously, love unconditionally and work tirelessly. She showed them how to lay their lives down for another without expectation of reward. Her practical, patient, kind spirit enabled them to recognize and appreciate the value of the everyday rhythms of life. Her influence did not stop with one generation but reached deep into the lives of her grandchildren: Scott Massie (Tracie), Mark Massie (Michelle), Erin Massie Hogge (Brad), Max Massie, Caitlin Massie King (William), Chad Willin (Jen), Maria Willin Dreiling (Michael), 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. As a longtime member of Smith Memorial Baptist Church, Virginia served as a leader to young teenage girls, sharing her faith in Jesus Christ and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord. She loved her Ladies’ Sunday School class and treasured her many friends, neighbors and co-workers from across the years. Her faith in Christ left her confident of her certain future with Him, a confidence that brought great comfort to her and her family in her final days. What rejoicing there will be in heaven when she is welcomed home! Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Jack L. Massie; parents, Earl G. and Ethel M. Maxfield, brother, Burton (and Marie) Maxfield, sister-in-law, Kristina M. (and Tommy) Swain and brother-in-law, Gordon C. Massie. A time of visitation will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A time of remembrance will be held at Smith Memorial Baptist Church on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM with interment to follow. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Virginia’s memory may be made to Smith Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 6515 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23188 (www.smithmemorial.org). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Massie family.