Shirley J. Vining

April 6, 2020
Shirley J. Vining

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Shirley Joanne Peterson Vining, went to be with the Lord peacefully on April 8, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew & Lydia Peterson, and stepmother Frieda Peterson, her husband, Kenwood W. Vining, and brother Arden Peterson. She is survived by her sisters Carmen Young of Dallas, TX; Lola Coster and her husband Jack of Morgantown, West Virginia; her sons, Stephen P. Vining of Suffolk, VA, and Peter M. Vining and his wife Elizabeth H. Vining of Williamsburg, VA; her daughter Barbara V. Thompson of Alexandria, VA; her grandsons David A. Thompson of Highland Springs, VA, Andrew W. Thompson of Gainesville, FL , Paul A. Vining of Suffolk, VA; and granddaughters Caitlin B. Vining of Richmond, VA and  Amber N. Vining of Lynchburg, VA.

Shirley (affectionately known as Seashell) called many places home such as Kodiak, AK; San Pedro, Atascadero, San Lorenzo, and San Diego, CA; and Baton Rouge, LA, while accompanying her husband, Ken, to his many naval duty stations. She was passionate about music, and played the church organ in the many churches they attended.

Shirley attended Old Dominion University for her undergraduate degree and obtained a Master’s degree in Special Education from Louisiana State University. She taught many years in Fairfax, VA, and taught Navy enlisted personnel at St. Leo University, where she received a special letter of commendation from the commanding officer for her services. Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them the fine art of making lefse and was a member of the Norwegian Club in Kristiansand, VA. Shirley loved the Lord and was an ever faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be donated to Hospice House, Williamsburg, VA. Condolences may be registered at Bucktrout of Williamsburg


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  • April 11, 2020
    Kim Rodgers says:
    Seashell was such a lovely woman! We had the pleasure of being with her at The Peter Vining resident in Williamsburg for many happy gatherings. She had a smile that would light up a room and a fantastic memory- always asking about our family and health! Shirley would always challenge you, as she was so smart- a teacher always knows the right questions to ask! She will be missed and we know she is with our Heavenly Father and we shall see her again. Our love goes out to the family for peace as you process Seashell’s return to her forever home.

  • April 14, 2020
    Carol Woodruff says:
    I’ve been blessed to know Shirley and the Vining family for almost 40 years. Shirley had a wonderful laugh and a warm and loving personality. She always made you feel like you are family. You could tell the simple things in life gave her joy yet, it was her family that made her complete. I spent many life’s events in her company. She is loved by and will be missed by so many. I am thankful she is at peace and reunited with Ken. My heart goes out to Peter, Steve, Barbara and Caiti and her other family members as you grieve her loss. She will always remain with you as a blessing in your hearts.

  • April 17, 2020
    Elaine Norman lit a candle:
    Lit since April 17, 2020 at 4:21:52 AM