Viriginia Sheriff

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Virginia M. Sheriff
YORKTOWN—Virginia Margaret Williams Sheriff was born Nov. 7, 1918, at Buxton Hospital, Elizabeth City County. She died Dec. 16, 2008.
She was the last of four children of John D. Williams Sr. and Edith H. Williams.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Daniel Williams and Dr. Thomas Wintfield Williams, early pioneers at NACA.
She was a graduate of Hampton High School.
Mrs. Sheriff was a past president of the Hampton Junior Women’s Club; the first executive director of the Peninsula Heart Association which she co-founded with the late Dr. Pope Grier; founder of Meals-on-Wheels in York County; past president of the Peninsula Fine Arts Guild; past president of Zuni Kuwayes, friends of Zuni Presbyterian Home and a volunteer at the York County Bargain Box.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Eric Hanlin Sheriff; and a son, Stephen; a brother and his wife, John D. Williams Jr. (Eileen); numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.
She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Newport News until moving to York County.
At Yorkminster Presbyterian Church, she served as a deacon, as president of the Presbyterian women and assisted with the youth.
She was an accomplished craftsperson, designing and making many liturgical banners for Yorkminster Church.
She also wrote the Who’s Who column for the church newsletter.
Virginia battled Parkinson’s for more than 30 years never letting it stop her from her quiet leadership and helping others.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to York County Meals on Wheels, Inc. c/o Jim McReynolds at 415 Weston Road Yorktown, VA 23692 or a favorite charity.
Arrangements were handled by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton.