Virginia R. Stephenson

Virginia R. Stephenson POQUOSON - Virginia R. Stephenson, 100, a native of Southampton County, resident of Franklin for more than 30 years and Poquoson resident the past three years, passed away Feb. 14, 2009. She was a member of High Street United Methodist Church, Franklin, and was former Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Franklin. After graduating from Longwood Teachers College, Mrs. Stephenson taught in a one-room school. She was organist and Sunday School teacher at Mount Horeb U.M. Church before moving to Franklin. She loved to travel with friends and family, visiting all over North America from Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, to Chincoteague Island. She traveled to many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and celebrated birthdays in many foreign lands over the years. One of the highlights of her travels was being baptized in the River Jordan in Israel. She also loved gardening and was especially proud of her cucumbers grown in her little garden in the backyard on Clay Street. Mrs. Stephenson was preceded in death by her husband, Julian H. Stepenson; daughter, Joyce S. Bracey; son, Alton R. Stephenson; and grandson, James F. Bracey III. She is survived by two daughters, Frances S. Ferguson of Poquoson and Sherren S. Holland and husband Coleman of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; a brother, Russell F. Revelle of Franklin; a sister, Hazel S. Bryant and husband Raymond of Franklin; five grandchildren, Robin S. Short of Wake Forest, N.C., Laura S. Morton of Woodbridge, Va., Dana F. Cannella of Poquoson, Nicole H. French and J. Clay Holland, both of Richmond; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and a nephew. The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, and other times at 110 Darden Drive, Poquoson. A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home by the Rev. Rita A. Callis. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in Poplar Spring Cemetery in Franklin, after which all are invited to a reception at 1324 Clay St., Franklin. Mrs. Stephenson was a longtime sponsor of children through the Christian Children's Fund. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution be made to C. C. F., 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294, or online at www.christianchildrensfund.org. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com.