Virginia Louise Foster

Ms. Virginia Louise Foster, 84 of Shipman, Virginia departed this life with family by her side on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

 Virginia was born on November 20, 1939, to the late Abraham Gray Sr. and Rachel Baker Gray.

Besides her parents and several aunts and uncles, Virginia was preceded in death by her sisters, Barbara Barber and Rachel Gray (Bet), her nephew, Frederick Gray and great-nephew, Ray Mosby Jr.

Virginia joined Bright Hope Baptist Church (Lovingston) at a very early age. She was a faithful member singing in the choir and attending bible study. She loved attending her church and other church programs in the community with her sister Helen. Virginia graduated from Nelson County Training School.  After school she worked in the hospitality industry where she was employed for many years.  

Virginia loved spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed family gatherings and eating out with family and friends at Woodgrill and Red Lobster.  She also enjoyed her daily routine with her sister Helen and daughter Judy eating breakfast, chatting, watching soap operas, game shows (Price is Right), Religious movies on Tubi and Kelly and Mark.

Until she became ill Virginia loved attending the Nelson Senior Center and participating in all the activities they offered. She was quick to volunteer family members to bake goods for their bake sales and wake up early to sit in the hot sun helping with the sales.

Virginia leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Alexander Foster Jr. (Chris); Charles Foster (Susie) both of Charlottesville, VA; and one daughter, Judy Foster of Shipman Va; two brothers, Abraham Gray Sr. (Rosy); Lloyd Gray Sr. (Joyce) and one sister Helen Gray (Bo) all of Shipman, VA; her aunt, Inez Turner of Charlottesville VA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was blessed with eleven grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren.

Virginia was Auntie Lou, Ms. Virginia, and Nanny to many children in the neighborhood always opening her home up every morning as the official bus stop and breakfast grill sending them on the bus with a grill cheese or grilled cheese and bologna sandwich.

She was a loving mom, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all. She touched many lives with her generosity and caring personality she will be greatly missed.

Much gratitude to her devoted caregiver Aja Vest-Turner.  

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the Bright Hope Baptist Church in Lovingston with Rev. Samuel Woodson and Rev. James Rose officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).