Deaconess Virginia Ann Henry Shelton a kind and gentle soul was one of five children born to the late Abram and Mary Betty Henry on September 8, 1905.in Hanover County, Virginia. On Friday, August 31, 2014 Virginia transitioned from this life to her heavenly home with the Lord. She was 108 years old, just one week shy of her 109th birthday. She lived and grew up on Hickory Hills Plantation owned by the Wickham family in Hanover County Virginia until 1923. Virginia received her education in a one room school house in Hanover County and subsequently went to Virginia Randolph School in Henrico County. Virginia worked as a housekeeper and in the shirt factory. She left her job at the shirt factory because she refused to sign a petition to leave the union. She was the only one to take this courageous stand. After that she went back to school at the Monique School in Richmond to become a Nurse. She cared for newborn babies for many years for families in Richmond, Henrico and Hanover. She took great joy in being a nurse to many babies and assisting them in their early growth and development. Virginia joined Providence Baptist Church in 1917. She was a very faithful and devoted member for 97 years. She had the distinct honor of being the Mother of the Church. She was a very active member having been a Sunday School teacher, Willing Worker, Deaconess, Usher, Missionary and served on many committees. She loved her church and rarely missed a Sunday. She was so dedicated that on one particular Sunday when her ride didn't come, she called 911. The Ashland police were so gracious and came to her home and brought her to church. She felt so honored that they thought enough of her to do that. The Hanover Police Department adopted her. They checked on here regularly and remembered her for holidays and birthdays. What a special lady they thought she was. She was joined in holy matrimony to Charles Pillsbury Shelton in 1926. They had five children together, Charles Pillsbury, Jr., Earl, Virginia and Doris. One child died in childbirth. She loved her children dearly and instilled positive values and the importance of education. Each of them went beyond high school to complete higher education and become successful in their professions. Virginia was highly favored in her community and church. She was recognized by the Town of Ashland and Hanover County on many occasions. She was the Mother of the Town, received special recognition for outstanding community work, given the Key to the Town of Ashland Mother of the Year for Providence as well as other recognitions from the church and community. However, her greatest joy and achievement was meeting President Barack Obama. She not only met with him at a town meeting in Richmond but also received a warm and "tight" hug. She talked about that day with great pride as she never thought that she would get the chance to vote for a Black President. From the time she was eligible to vote she exercised that right at every election. She never missed one. At the age of 100 she rode a horse and was able to climb on independently. Virginia was often asked what was the secret to such a long and healthy life? She would always respond that you have to take the JC pill every day, exercise, positive attitude and eat a little applesauce