It is with deep heartbreak that we share the passing of Virginia Fern Harmon Faulkner Shaw, known as Jimmy to most, Mom to two daughters, Granny to two grandsons and four great grandchildren, and Gungenny to one granddaughter. An avid gardener and enthusiastic lover of family and life in general, passed away peacefully in Virginia Beach, VA on July 25th, 2025, at the age of 92, while surrounded by family. Knowing our beloved Virginia was a blessing to anyone who crossed paths with her. Caring, selfless, independent, strong, and smart are just a few of the many admirable words that embody Virginia’s personality.

Virginia is one of 12 children of Leo and Viola Harmon. She grew up on farms in Arkansas and enjoyed spending time at her grandparent’s grocery store where she would play the jukebox and dance after the shop closed. She also loved attending
movie nights at the town theater. She especially enjoyed the walks home when the local Mexicans would serenade everyone.

Throughout Virginia’s life she has always excelled at working and setting an example of a strong woman. Some of her jobs included serving as the City Treasurer of a small town, working as a manager at Sears, and owning several businesses. She often talked about her time as an accountant in Chicago and how much she loved living in the city. She has never forgotten the parking ticket she received while living there.

In 1997 Virginia moved to Virginia Beach, VA to join her daughter where she loved spending longs day at the beach, finding hidden treasures in the local thrift stores, checking out dozens of library books at a time, planting a beautiful garden, and spending evenings in her recliner impressively solving every crossword puzzle in a book.

Virginia always enjoyed visits from her out-of-state family members, and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in Virginia Beach.

Until the end, Virginia maintained her sense of humor, kindness, and an intense love of family. She was fiercely independent, only recently giving up her driver’s license at 90. She was active and lively, living at home independently until the last few weeks of her
life.

Virginia transformed everything in her presence into beauty and we hope those who knew her carry her exceptional traits and values with them as they move forward in life. We envision Virginia to be spending time with her predeceased parents, siblings, and
her favorite little dog, Theodore.

In lieu of a funeral service that Virginia explicitly did not want, please consider planting something in your garden and celebrating her long, fulfilling, and accomplished life. Virginia’s words to live by were, “Work hard and be grateful for all that God has given you.” She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Simply Cremation is assisting the family.