Shirley Fisher Francisco

Shirley Ann Fisher Francisco, 80, of Quinton, Va. passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. She was born in Richmond, VA on September 11, 1931 and was a lifelong resident of Quinton, VA. She was the daughter of the late C. Linwood and Alice Ware Fisher. Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 60 years, James C. “Jimmie” Francisco, Jr.; son, James C. “Jay” Francisco, III of Quinton, VA; daughter and son-in-law, Alice Ann and Edmund Ruffin of Virginia Beach, VA.; granddaughter, Dare Marie Ruffin of Charlottesville, VA; sister, Mary Fisher Bryant of Quinton, VA; sister-in-law, Carolyn F. Bishop of Corpus Christi, Tx.; brother-in-law, Clayton Francisco (Mildred) of Norfolk, VA; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Shirley graduated from New Kent High School in 1948, attended Madison College, and received her college degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to the birth of her children, she worked for five years in the Auditing Department of the Internal Revenue Service in Richmond, VA. She began teaching school in Charles City, VA in 1962. Two years later she joined the New Kent county school system where she was a beloved fourth grade teacher to several generations of New Kent children before she retired in 1991. She was a caring and dedicated teacher who was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students. She was a lifelong member of Providence United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities over the years: Sunday school teacher, church historian, children’s choir director, pianist, and choir member. She was a member of the Martha Dandridge Woman’s Club, a past President of the Nelly Custis Junior Woman’s Club, and volunteered with local chapters of the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Shirley and her adored husband, Jimmie, were delightful hosts who loved to entertain family and friends in their home and on wonderful weekend trips to Blacksburg to cheer the Hokies on to victory! She was known for her infectious laugh, kindness, and generosity toward others, and leaves behind many who will miss her dearly. The family will receive friends an hour prior to a memorial service to be held at Providence United Methodist Church, 4001 New Kent Highway, Quinton, VA, Friday, April 20th at 3 p.m. A reception celebrating the life and memory of Shirley will be held following the service at Cedar Grove Farm, 5900 Emmaus Church Road, Providence Forge, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Kent Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 110, New Kent, VA 23124 or Providence United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 118, Quinton, VA 23141.

Shirley Fisher Francisco

September 11, 1931 - April 17, 2012