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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