Virginia M. Epps

Ms. Virginia Mary Epps, of 135 W. Old St., Petersburg (Carriage House), departed this life Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg.

She was born in Sussex County on May 1, 1918, to the late Sue and Rufus Epps, and was raised by Daisy and James Neverson. Ms. Epps was a life-long member of Little Mount Baptist Church and was affectionately known as "Shine" because her kind and caring words always illuminated the lives of everyone she met.

Virginia Mary was preceded in death by her parents; nine brothers. Harvey Epps Sr., Louis Epps, Edward Neverson, James Neverson, Earnest Neverson, Sylvester Neverson, Lee Lawrence Neverson, Booker Neverson and Patrick Neverson; three sister, Pouchie Layman, Elizabeth Thweatt and Mary Mykies; two nephews, Harvey Epps Jr. and James Layman; and a niece, Inell Burrow.

Left to cherish her glorious memories are a most devoted daughter, Jacqueline D. Diggs (Gerald); three loving granddaughters, Alicia and Sharretta Diggs, and Tyneshia Griffin; a beloved great-grandson, Xavier Johnson, all of Prince George; a devoted sister-in-law, Annie C. Neverson; dedicated nieces, nephews and care providers, Juanita Raines, Helen Shands, Bernice Neverson, Laura Lyde, Doris Lemon, Roy Neverson (Deloris), Claude Neverson (Ann), Earl Neverson (Bettie), Eunice Griffin (Raymond), Joyce Cole; a host of other nieces, nephews, vousins and friends, all of whom she loved and treasured. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregiver and close friend, Ms. Mason (Concordia Private Care), the doctors, nurses and staff of Southside Regional Medical Center and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at Little Mount Baptist Church, 8012 Jerusalem Plank Road, Disputanta, with the Rev. Charles Davis officiating. The interment will be held at the church cemetery. One hour prior to the service the family will receive friends at the Carriage House, 135 W. Old St., Apt. 311 B., Petersburg, and may be contacted at (804) 733-0113 or 861-1850.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland and Son Funeral Home, Petersburg; (804) 732-7841. Now serving from three locations, Petersburg, Hopewell and Waverly. Please send online condolences to www.blandenterprisesinc.com.