WILLIAMSBURG — Mrs. Virginia Lee Haltiwanger, 86, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, March 29, 2021, in the comfort of her home with family close by her side. She was born May 9, 1934, to the late Charlie and Ruth Jones.
At an early age, she confessed her life to Christ, was baptized and joined Zion Baptist Church, Lightfoot. As a young adult, Virginia sought Fellowship at Shiloh Baptist Church, Croaker. She was a faithful servant. She served on the Usher Board, Hospitality Committee and as a deaconess for many years. She always had a love for music and singing. She was a soprano in the Sanctuary Choir, Combined Choir and the “Shilites,” a gospel group at Shiloh. She also served as the Youth Choir director for many years. As a music enthusiast, she played acoustic and bass guitar, along with playing a few notes on the piano. She was also an Eastern Star for many, many years.
Virginia was a professional bus driver known to many as “Ms. Virginia.” She drove the school bus for York County and Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, retiring from the latter.
Virginia was a charitable giver who gave from the heart and believed in showing love to everyone. She also enjoyed cooking, painting, sewing and baking her famous lemon cakes and lemon meringue pies.
On Aug. 20, 1995, Samuel Haltiwanger and Virginia were united in holy matrimony and were blessed with a beautiful marriage of almost 20 years. They went to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon. This was the gateway to many more destinations, including a cruise to the Caribbean and bus trips to Canada and up and down the East Coast.
Virginia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Samuel O. Haltiwanger; son, Von Adam Tabb; sisters, Catherine Brown and Pauline Smith; and brothers, Fred Jones and Charles Jones.
Virginia Lee Haltiwanger is survived by her daughter, Myrtle L. Melvin (Lloyd); granddaughter, LaKeisha; grandson, Lloyd III; great-grandsons, Karic, Damien Jr., Omari and Kamari; great-great-grandsons, Kaiden and Kyrie; sisters, Marie Taylor, Rosa Jamerson and Viola Wise (Ulysses); brother, Horace Jones; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her immediate family, Virginia is also survived by many friends that she loved and were a very important part of her life, as she was cherished by many.
Mrs. Haltiwanger may be viewed from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 3, at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 5, at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. Facial coverings and social distancing will be required.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
