Virginia Cabell Richeson

On the morning of August 2, 2024, God called his faithful servant, Virginia Cabell Richeson, from her earthly labor unto Himself, where she will now rest in His presence for all eternity.

Virginia was born on September 20, 1932, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late John Oliver Cabell and Maudie Thompson Cabell. 

After graduating with honors from Madison Heights High School in 1951, she attended Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, before returning to Lynchburg to begin a new chapter in her life.

As Martin Luther King once famously said, ‘longevity has its place”, in that spirit, Virginia was united in holy matrimony to Paige Edward Richeson, (deceased), for 64 years. To this union was born four devoted children, Kenneth Paige (deceased), Ronald Lee (Colleen) of North Olmsted, Ohio, Gregory Edward (Shelia) of New Brockton, Alabama, and Karen Hope of Lynchburg. We were all so proud to call her Momma and each one of us loved, cared for, respected, and treated her in a manner befitting that of the Queen that she was. She supported her children in all of their endeavors, and for that we are forever grateful.

Virginia also leaves to carry on her legacy, four grandchildren, Marques of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Lauren of Tuscany, Italy, Kristin (Cordney) of Lynchburg, and Jonathan of North Olmsted, Ohio. It brought her great joy to be able to attend all of the graduation ceremonies of her grandchildren, whether in Lynchburg, in Suffolk, Virginia, in Ohio, Tennessee, or Massachusetts.

In addition, she was blessed with one great-granddaughter, Nari, and one great-grandson, Ezra. 

Virginia is also survived by a dear brother-in-law, Carlyle (Helen) Richeson of Newport News, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Although humble and soft spoken, she carried herself with a grace and dignity that spoke on her behalf. Despite the lasting joys or seasonal disappointments of life, Virginia remained steadfast through it all. In times of celebration, she rejoiced with those that rejoiced (Romans 2:15). In times of storm, she held on to the promise of that peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:17). She was unwavering in her faith and trust in God.

At an early age, Virginia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and was a member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church for over 70 years. During that time, she served faithfully as Sunday School Teacher, Usher, and Deaconess. When not at Diamond Hill, Virginia was equally as faithful in attending Piney Hill Baptist Church in support of her husband and extended family. 

Virginia was a long-time employee of, and retired from, the Lynchburg Public Library. She spent countless hours reading to young children during “story time” with her calm, soothing and comforting voice. The attentiveness of the children, and the smiles on their faces as she brought each reading to life, were her reward.

Virginia would do whatever she could to enrich the lives of others. That is probably her life’s testimony – that she unselfishly did whatever she could do with her temporal time here on this earth, to enrich the lives of, and to be a blessing to others. 

It was not unusual while living on Early Street, to hear a knock on the door, and find a person on the other side of that door asking for a meal due to some circumstance of lack. No one was ever turned away. In fact, without hesitation or reservation, they would be invited in and Mom and her mother went to work preparing a meal to meet that need, in the urgency of that moment. 

Virginia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend.

What would a homegoing for Mom be without mentioning her baking skills par excellence? Her cakes and pies were NOT to die for; her cakes and pies were to LIVE for! The annual homecoming celebration at Piney Hill Baptist Church could not be fully experienced or appreciated, without a belly full of her desserts.

The family would like to thank Virginia’s care giver, Elsie Moorman, for her outstanding care.

Rest in His glory, Mom. 

Revelation 14:13 Contemporary English Version

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die.”

The Spirit answered, “Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done.”

A celebration of life and love for Virginia Cabell Richeson will be held at Diamond Hill Baptist Church on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, Va. Interment will be at Piney Hill Baptist Church in Amherst, VA.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.