Virginia Ellen Culpepper

Virginia Ellen Culpepper, age 96, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, to the late Maude S. May-Shaw and the late Karl P. Shaw. Virginia lived a long and purposeful life marked by generosity, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin O. Culpepper Jr. She is survived by her three children, Marie Taylor and her husband Alex, Barbara Warren and her husband Howard, Ed Culpepper and his husband Jeff. She was the proud grandmother of April Taylor-Martin and her husband Shayne, Sarah Taylor-Glaser and her husband David, Joel Taylor and his wife Christina, Shari Kirk, and Shawnna Nelson. She was a cherished great-grandmother to Seth and wife Gabrielle, Maleah, Jasper, Grace, Asher, Corbin, Alana, Kyla, Liam, Tatum, and Raelyn, as well, a delighted great-great-grandmother to Violet. Virginia possessed remarkable organizational, financial, and planning skills, gifts she put to use throughout her life with enthusiasm and purpose. She had a particular talent for rallying others to help her accomplish her visions, whether coordinating day trips with her church groups, orchestrating celebrations and events, or even planning a birthday party or two for herself. She lived modestly and gave generously. Among her most cherished charitable endeavors was shopping for coats to donate through Warm Coats Warm Hearts and One Warm Coat Drives. She was also a faithful contributor to the Westhaven Baptist Church food closet and numerous local food pantries, always mindful of those in need within her community. Virginia's artistic talents blossomed beautifully in her senior years. She found great joy in classes and exhibitions, engaging with fellow artists and sharing her creative spirit. Many in her community knew Virginia not only for her warmth and vitality but also for her constant and devoted canine companion, a rescued dog named Precious, who was always faithfully by her side. Virginia treasured her friendships, particularly her bonds with Ann Davis, Paulette Parker, Pauline Satterfield, Agnes Hutsenpiller, Wendy Morrison and many others at Westhaven Baptist Church, including her dear TEL class and FIA. These relationships enriched her life immeasurably. A woman of sincere Christian faith, Virginia found spiritual nourishment and fellowship through her church family at Westhaven Baptist Church. Her faith guided her generosity, shaped her character, and now gives her family comfort in the assurance that she rests in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to any supportive charity in Virginia's memory, continuing the spirit of giving that defined her remarkable life. A special thanks to Interim Hospice Care for their team of compassionate care givers and professionals during Virginia’s 30 days under their watch. A memorial service will be held at Westhaven Baptist Church on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11am. Remember When When the lilac blooms and peonies smell heavenly, When the leaves turn golden and shimmer with dew, When the house smells of cinnamon and lights are twinkling, When the ocean is between our toes and the waves put us to sleep, When the mountain air fills our lungs and the views take our breath, You, will be remembered when.