Virginia Ruth Wilson was born in Rock Run, Alabama, August 15, 1924, to Esther Lucile White and Duel Malcom Wilson. Her siblings survive her and include Lelagene W. Jones (J. Samuel, d.), Duel M. Wilson Jr. (Jeanette), and Joel A. Wilson (Faye, d.). She grew up in Eufaula, Alabama and lived a great deal of her adult life in Huntsville, Alabama. Her Christian faith was essential to Virginia and she was an active member of Central Presbyterian Church for over 70 years.
She was Salutatorian for her class at Eufaula High School, Eufaula, Alabama and married Emmett H. Rodgers(d.) in 1942. Their offspring include David H. Rodgers (Joyce), Alan W. Rodgers, d. (Judy), Richard E. Rodgers (Barbara, d.), and Christine R. Horton (John).
In 1964, after the death of her husband, Emmett, Virginia married Roy E. Hallenbeck Jr. (d. 1986), father of Nancy H. Wright and Roy E. Hallenbeck III (Angie).
Virginia had a diverse working life which included starting her own business (Golden Key Greeting Service), real estate sales, agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., and professional artist and art teacher. As an artist she was proficient in the use of oil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastels, which she used to portray still life, landscape, and portrait subjects. She studied art in New York and Chicago, and had several solo exhibits of her work.
She was married to Lt. Col. Lawrence D. Shields (ret.) in 1995, father of Marylou S. Bernhagen, and Lawrence D. Shields Jr. (d.). Virginia’s grandchildren are Ford W. Rodgers, William A. Rodgers, Patrick O. Rodgers, Rachel R. Branch, Meredith R. Lacy, Jeffery Wright, Jennifer Wright, Nori D. Horton, Emily Y. Horton, and Sarah Bernhagen. She loved them very much, as well as all of her numerous nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and relations.
All are welcome to attend a celebration of Virginia’s life to be observed November 7, 2020 at 2:00 pm. at the Central Presbyterian Church, 406 Randolph Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801. Masks will be required to attend the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local house of worship.
