Virginia Ann Ramsey

It is with great sorrow that our family regrets to announce the passing of Virginia Ann Weaver Ramsey on July 15, 2024. She was a dear mother to Sawyer Lynn Ramsey, Jane Ramsey Mulligan, and Susan Ramsey Klein; beloved grandmother to Kelley Schroeder (Olaf), Katherine Reiner (Adam Williams), and Rebecca Mulligan; cherished great grandmother to Sasha Schroeder, Henning Schroeder, David Reiner, Brooklyn Reiner, and Rowan Williams; and adored aunt, great aunt, and cousin to many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Virginia was born in Williamson, West Virginia, February 1, 1928 to her loving parents, Lucy Jane Blevins Weaver and Nathan Vince Weaver, who preceded her in death. She spent her childhood in the tiny community of Edgarton, West Virginia living in a house that was attached to her father’s grocery and general stores. Also, included in the structure of her home, was the area’s small post office run by her mother as the local Post Master. As one can see, Virginia grew up in the heart of her small town. She knew everyone and everyone knew her.

Although Virginia was an only child, her parents came from large families. Three of her first cousins lived nearby so family get-togethers were frequent and full of laughter. And, the summers were filled with love as she returned every year to North Carolina to live with her grandparents and visit all her uncles, aunts and cousins.

Virginia’s childhood was filled with pets and I am certain that when Virginia got to the pearly gates that her two dogs, Rowdy and Rusty, were there to meet her.

Educated in a one room school until she was bussed to a high school in the neighboring town of Matewan did not help Virginia build a strong educational foundation. And, because her high school years were during World War II, one of her memories of those years was the hardship of having her classes cut short due to her instructors leaving in the middle of the year to join the armed forces. This situation had a negative influence on her education because instead of getting a year’s credit for many of her subjects she would receive only a half a credit. After high school graduation, Virginia went to the University of Kentucky for about a year but she soon realized that she was not prepared to tackle college level courses. Instead, she transferred to a business college in Roanoke, Virginia.

While studying secretarial skills, Virginia met the love of her life, C. J. (Chigger) Ramsey, who was studying hotel and restaurant management. They married in September 1947 and eventually moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina where they raised their three daughters.

For seventeen years, Virginia’s life revolved around her girls. Her days were filled with carpooling to Brownies; Girl Scouts; horseback riding, dance, baton, and piano lessons; after school sporting games; cheer leading practices and Saturday football games; choir practice; dancing boot and majorette rehearsals; and a variety of school activities. Some years she was the Brownie or Girl Scout leader for her girls’ troops.

Virginia also worked in the church nursery on Sundays and made certain that her girls went to Sunday school and church every week. Because money was scarce, she spent many hours sewing her girls beautiful clothes.

When Virginia’s oldest daughter went to college she knew that she would have to get a job to supplement the family’s income. Due to the years of experience that she had had helping in her father’s store, she began her working career in retail. Eventually, she ended up working for the Veteran’s Administration and remained with that organization until her retirement in 1991.

Virginia spent her life dedicated to her family so it was no surprise that when her mother was in declining health she left North Carolina and moved to Florida to care for her. She took a transfer from her job at the Veteran’s Administration in Winston-Salem to St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, the move put a strain on her marriage and, after her mother died, she and her husband of thirty-four years divorced. Fortunately, they always remained friends and Chigger was always invited to family outings.

In Florida, Virginia made many friends and enjoyed working as a volunteer in the office of Grace United Methodist Church in Venice. She also helped run their thrift store. As a devout Christian she joined Emaus. With her cousin, Bettie Pitcock, Virginia participated in basket weaving and played bridge.

Even though she had a lovely home in Florida and was close to some of her family members and friends, in 2005. Virginia moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to her youngest daughter, Susan. For several years, Virginia was happy and enjoyed living in Pennsylvania where she also was able to see her granddaughters more often. Then, through a series of mishaps, her health began to cause her mobility problems and her daughters had to rally to help her out. She spent the last six years of her life living with all three of her girls as they took turns caring for her. When she was in Florida with Sawyer, she enjoyed going to church every Sunday with her first cousin, Bettie, and her friends, Alice Blackburn and Elaine Blackburn. Their weekly after church lunch at favorite restaurants was one of Virginia’s delights. She also loved the evening fires and holiday dinners with her friends Josephine, Nancy, and Janet Kurina.

Virginia will be missed so very much. She was filled with love for her family and she was selfless when it came to giving to them throughout their lives. She made many self sacrifices and the result made quite an impact on those whom she loved. She taught through example of how to trust in the Lord, that Christ is the Savior, how to love your family and friends, how to be kind, and how to work hard. She deserves this rest at the end of her long life but I know that she would rather still be with us sipping on a favorite strawberry milkshake.

A celebration of life for Virginia will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560.