Virginia Blair Mahan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 103 years old.

Virginia was born on September 18, 1920, to Gary and Victoria Shelton Blair as one of eight children. She grew up with a passion for people, always eager to lend a helping hand and feed anyone at her dinner table.

On April 30, 1938, Virginia married John Ray Mahan in Reidsville, NC. They kept it a secret until Virginia graduated high school a few weeks later and requested to the principal that she be announced "Mrs. Ray Mahan" as she received her diploma. Together, they built a life in Pittsville, VA where they farmed tobacco for many years. They were blessed with four children, Leland, Otis Melvin, Joyce and Janet. She raised them with boundless love and devotion. Virginia's family was the center of her world, and she took great pride in nurturing and supporting each member.

Virginia was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith. Once asked at her 100th birthday, "What was the secret of her longevity?", she stated, "dancing". She was a member of the Red Hat Society and a bingo volunteer at the Gretna Health and Rehabilitation Center. Her kindness and compassion knew no bounds, and she touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Virginia's youthfulness and full life was the amazement of many, and she approached every day with a smile and a grateful heart. She was born one month after the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote. She lived through 19 Presidents and 26 Presidential elections. She experienced the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and World War II all before the age of 25. She survived a tornado alone while in her home at the age of 90, and two pandemics being conceived at the end of the Spanish Flu and overcoming three bouts of Covid.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband (John Ray Mahan), children (Otis Melvin Mahan and Joyce Crider), great-grandchild (Kevin Andrew Crider), sons-in-law (Mickey Crider and M.E. "Pat" Mease), and seven siblings (Hassel Byrd, Larry Blair, Edith Irby, Wyatt Blair, Robert Blair, Lois Harrison and Eloise Bryant).

She will be deeply missed by her loving children, eldest son Leland (Cecelia), and youngest daughter, Janet; her son-in-law Tom Gaumes and daughter-in-law Robin Mahan; her adoring grandchildren, Eric Mahan, Kevin Crider (Jennifer), Sonya Wilson (Anthony), Stan Mahan (Diane), Karen Mahan, Shannon Mahan, and Stuart Mease (Allison); her loving great-grandchildren, Dustin Mahan, LT Matthew Crider, USN (Allie), Sarah Crider, Julia Crider, Caroline Mease, and Anderson Mease; her great-great grandchild Charlotte Lorraine Crider; and countless nephews, nieces and cousins who she deeply loved.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, compassion, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Gretna Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care, love and support for the past 11 years.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home on Monday, February, 19, 2024 from 7-8:30pm. A memorial service to celebrate Virginia's life will be held at The First Baptist Church in Gretna, VA on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:00 am by Rev. Bob Ballance, followed by the burial at Highland Burial Park in Danville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice in Virginia's memory.

Forever in our hearts, Virginia will be remembered as a beacon of light and love, guiding us with her gentle spirit and unwavering faith.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.