Virginia Candler Whaley Babbitt

Virginia Candler Whaley Babbitt passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Midlothian, Virginia, at the age of 99. Her family was able to gather together and share her last days with her. Virginia was well loved and loved well. She was always engaging and curious. She made anyone she spent time with feel like they were the most special person to her. Virginia was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She had a happy childhood in Port Norfolk and spent her high school years at Woodrow Wilson, where she was active in the Dramatic Club, Chorus, and as a cheerleader. During World War II she volunteered at the USO where she met her future husband, Fred Babbitt, who hailed from New Orleans, Louisiana. Virginia was always proud of her Virginia heritage. She and Fred raised six children in their fun-filled home in Churchland. In later years, she moved to Centreville, Maryland, to be near her daughters. There she lived in a lovely house on the Corsica River where she could view nesting eagles and other waterfowl. Her final residence in Midlothian was overlooking the beautiful Swift Creek Reservoir. Virginia loved to read, work board puzzles, and solve crossword puzzles. To the surprise of many, she also liked to write poetry. She loved the beach, the sand, seashells, and the sound of the waves at night. She felt that salt water heals all that ails you. She had great fun with her friends in the Bridge Club over many years in Churchland. She loved to garden and even mowed her grass into her 80s. Her love of birds was a constant throughout her life. While she spent much time and energy raising her large family, she also worked outside the home for many years. Early years working at Suburban Pharmacy and American National Bank were followed later by work in the Portsmouth School System at both Wilson and Churchland High Schools. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Fred Babbitt. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Anne Goldman. She also leaves behind her loving children and their spouses: Bonnie Babbitt Nelson, Fred Babbitt (Janis), Robbie Babbitt (Maggie), Rich Babbitt (Kathy), Ginna Babbitt Vedder (Mark), and Julia Babbitt Williams (Greg). She was also blessed with 15 grandchildren: Amy, Nathan, Elise, Daniel, Graham, Patrick, Alex, Matt, Todd, Kristin, Chris, Russell, Natalie, Meg, and Cullen. They, in turn, provided her with 20 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nephews, David and Jim Goldman, and her niece, Anne Hinds. On May 28, a private graveside burial will take place. Afterwards, friends and family will join for a Celebration of Life service at Centenary Methodist Church at 1:00 pm. She had requested that memorial contributions be made to Centenary Methodist Church or the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation.