She was born in her grandparents' home on May 6, 1938, in Bassett, VA to Rev & Mrs. Frank Reid Koger. She graduated from Drewry Mason High School in Ridgeway, Va., in 1956. She then attended Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., and in 1960, she received her bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Radford University. In that same year, she moved to Waynesboro, Va., and worked at Wilson Memorial High School as a Home Economics teacher. In Becky's later working years, she was a successful real estate agent and bookkeeper for the Family business. She was a member of the Waynesboro First Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, and a member of The Waynesboro Chorale Society. Becky was direct, matter of fact, and had her own sense of humor. She was an avid reader on many different subjects and welcomed a political debate. She was an excellent cook and masterful seamstress. Through the years, she had an eccentric style and loved to collect the finer things in life. She was an "auctionholic." Becky loved going to auctions, where she was known to "fix" boxes with her desired items. She would indiscreetly slide her selected box closer and closer until the auctioneer noticed, this way she could bid on HER box of treasures. Her knowledge of antiques and their history was keen and unmatched.
Becky is survived by two daughters, one son, and four grandchildren, Martha Neal Shumate of Staunton, Va., Penny Reid Shumate (Ryan) of Clarksville, Tenn., Thomas E. Shumate Jr. (Sharon) of Fishersville, Va.,; Austin Shumate, U.S. Air Force, Leara Shumate (Melissa), U.S. Army, Rafe Shumate, studying at Virginia Tech and Thomas Darensbourg, in 7th grade at Richview Middle School.
Visitation with the family will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at the Waynesboro First Baptist Church, with the service at 12:30 p.m. The service will be followed by the graveside burial at Augusta Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the SPCA, Preston Yancey or the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department.
