Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Shirley GARCIA Obituary
Shirley was born in Newport News, Va., and a resident of Hampton most of her life. She graduated from Newport News High in 1950. She was a sales assoc. at Leggett Dept. store for 18 years. She was a longtime member of Parkview Baptist Church. Shirley never met a stranger, loved to talk and laugh and always had a smile on her face. She had a love for having fun and when you ask if she wanted to go somewhere before you could finish the question she was out the door and in the car.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 55 years, Johnnie Garcia; son, Larry Freeman and wife, Shelia; son, Doug Garcia and wife, Teresa; daughter, Lynne Ettleman and husband, Rex; grandchildren, Ryan and Jessica Garcia, Amber and John Freeman, Tyler and Rachel Ettleman; sisters, Elizabeth Wray of Fla., and Mildred Finn of Ky.; brother, Fred Tong; sister-in-law, Margaret of Newport News; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Peninsula Funeral Home. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at Peninsula Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkview Baptist Church, 604 Hilton Blvd., Newport News, VA 23605 or to Parkview Baptist Youth.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley GARCIA
Emily (Taylor) Sexton
October 14, 2010
Dear Johnnie, Lynne, Doug, Larry and families: I was so saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I loved reading Mike's words about our childhood on Gumwood Drive. It was a really special place to grow up. I loved Shirley's laugh! I am thankful to have known her. I will keep you all in my prayers as you walk through the days ahead. You are a special family. God bless and keep you.
Tommy Sherwood
October 14, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Melissa Massengill
October 14, 2010
I will deeply miss Ms. Shirley. She came into Chick-Fil-A every morning for breakfast and her free coffee refill with of course Mr. John in tow. They were such a lovely couple. Lots of Prayers and Blessings are with you Mr. John, Lynne, Rachel, and Tyler!
Wendy Cantrell
October 14, 2010
We at Chick-Fil-A Coliseum Drive will truly miss Miss Shirley. She had a sparkle in her smile and was a very sweet person. Our Prayers and Love to Mr. John and the Family
stephanie ice
October 14, 2010
Lynne, Johnnie, Doug and Larry,
Mama G was the best. She was always laughing and finding humor in everything are her, even after working all those years in retail. She was like one of my second mothers. Tim and i have such fond memories of working with her at Leggett's. She will miss be truely missed. I bet all the angel are having a good laugh with Mama G in heaven! Love you all so much. God bless.
Tim, Stephanie, Meagan and Mathew Ice
Newport News, Va
Bill & Debbie & staff, Danny's Deli
October 14, 2010
Lynne, Mr. Garcia and family: We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We loved visiting with your Mom when you'd come to the deli. She was a very special lady and will be missed by everyone that knew her. We hope you find comfort in knowing that you are in the hearts and prayers of all your friends. Love,
Concetta Rendon
October 14, 2010
My Mom, John and I have had the pleasure of knowing Lynn and her parents a long time. I met Lynn through another close friend and my Mom worked with Mr. Garcia at Fort Monroe. Both Mr. & Mrs. Garcia always spoke to me and asked about my Mom. I will keep Lynn, Rex, Rachel, Tyler, Mr. Garcia and the rest of the family in my prayers.
Mark Waggoner
October 14, 2010
To John & Family,
You are in our prayers.
Mark & Miriam Olson Waggoner (Parkview Bapt.)
Connie Kennedy
October 13, 2010
Our loss is heaven's gain. She will surely be missed. All my Love to Lynne, Rex, Tyler and Rachel. God Bless You Papa G, Larry, Doug and your families.
Karen Norton
October 13, 2010
My heart & love goes out to my dear friend Lynne, her family Rex, Tyler & Rachel ~ also to Papa G, her brothers Larry & Doug and their families. I've known you all for 30 some years and love you so much! I am so sorry about Mama G and I will miss her very much. Your mom had the greatest sense of humor and I loved her laugh! Let the good, good memories help you all through this sad time. Peace be with all of you!
Jean Rogers
October 13, 2010
Knowing your Mother has been a BLESSING to me. The world needs more like her.
Love, Jean Rogers
Mike Willard
October 13, 2010
Sometimes I close my eyes, dream a dream, and see across Gumwood Drive to my friends and neighbors of just a 'few' years ago. These are the great memories of a childhood that Shirley was a part of, in that large extended 'Gumwood Drive' gang of kids. Shirley was an important part of that Parental Supervisory Team... :-). In the years since my family left, our encounters with Shirley and the Garcia family were all too infrequent, but so happy largely because of her infectious joy and laughter.
Of course, my family and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Johnnie, Larry, Doug, Lynne, and their families. Part of the sorrow you feel is indeed ours. God bless all of you.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Shirley GARCIA's name
Memorial Events
for Shirley GARCIA
Funeral services provided by:
Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Shirley GARCIA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
