Virginia St. John Shumate

KERNERSVILLE – Virginia Ruth St. John Shumate, 78, was carried by the angels into the very presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Virginia was born on January 9, 1945 into the family of Noah and Nellie Masten St. John, the ninth of eleven children.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by five sisters, Silvia McKnight, Grace Matthews, Charlotte Kerns, Darlene Boyer, and Ila Lewis; and three brothers, Robert, Thomas and Noah St. John. Surviving are one sister, Mae Summers; and one brother, Ernest St. John.

Virginia was a quiet, friendly person and a great cook. She worked her last years as a secretary at Gospel Light Christian School. She loved her church and the many friends she has.

Virginia was married to Frank Shumate on August 14, 1964. They have one daughter, Tammy Shumate; one grandson, Andrew Rock (wife, Jessica); and one great granddaughter, Maylee Ann Rock. She loved her family dearly and her memory will linger on forever. Her physical life was filled with many health problems, beginning with a kidney transplant in 1973. Her younger sister, Mae, gave her a kidney. Many things followed that. The last two years of her life, she was bedridden with cancer and dementia.

From Frank – “I think we drew closer during those days. I will always remember our special times when I would say to her “I love you – You are my sweetheart” and she would say “You are my sweetheart – I love you, too.” Amidst all of her problems, we had a great relationship. I can’t start to name all of the people that have helped us during this very trying time. May God reward you.”

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Gospel Light Baptist Church with Pastor Matt Morrison and Pastor Danny Smith officiating. (Burial is a private family service) The public can pay their respects to Virginia Thursday evening, June 15, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Gospel Light Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 16, from 11:00 – 1:45 PM prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Virginia’s honor to Gospel Light Baptist Church, 890 Walkertown Guthrie Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.