Mrs. Virginia Taylor-Barfield, affectionately known as Ginny, entered this world on the day of love, February 14, 1931, in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was born to the proud parents of the late Lille Beatrice Jones Rosson and Eddie James Taylor, she was also blessed with a bonus dad. Martin Rosson Sr., all of whom preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were three sons, Dexter, Richard, and Dwayne Barfield; three brothers, Richard Taylor, John Jones, and Martin Rosson Jr.

Virginia was educated in the East St. Louis, Illinois public school system. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and remained a lifelong member of Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois. While a faithful member, she served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Sanctuary Choir, and a member of the Missions Ministry until her health began to fail. She also worked with the local Salvation Army, participating in charitable efforts to serve the community.

Virginia was united in Holy Matrimony to Thomas Franklin Barfield, who preceded her in death. Together they built a loving home and welcomed seven children. Their family circle also grew when Virginia took on the responsibility of raising her younger sister as one of her own.

With the sudden passing of her husband, Virginia was unexpectedly thrust into the role of a single mother. She embraced the challenge and responsibility of being the head of her household, caring for her young children with determination and unwavering love. During this season of her life, Virginia was also blessed with another son, whom she welcomed with love and devotion.

Strength has many forms. Sometimes it looks like a single mother sitting at a kitchen table before sunrise, trusting God with a house full of children and a heart full of hope. Sometimes resilience is quiet, faithful, and unseen.

It was not merely strength that carried her. It was her deeply rooted faith that kept her going, kept her standing, and kept her hopeful that she could overcome whatever came her way. Some days resilience looked like bravery, other days, it looked like, simply refusing to give up.

Virginia first worked at a local diner called Buns and Burgers, often working late into the evenings to meet the needs of her family. Realizing this would not sustain her household long-term, she later gained employment at Olin Corporation where income allowed her to provide comfortably for her family. She worked faithfully for many years and was honored for her long, dedicated service.

Virginia loved family, friends, and enjoying life. One of her favorite pastimes was league bowling, which she enjoyed alongside her best friend, Martha "Honey" Nicholson, who preceded her in death.

Virginia lived life with purpose and passion, instilling faith in her children from an early age. She made sure they knew Christ as their Savior. Attending church was a non-negotiable part of their upbringing. She would often remind them, "When you're mature enough, you'll find your way and choose your path, but until that time comes, my guidance will lead the way."

Virginia was also an international traveler. There was no distance she was unwilling to travel to see the world. She flew and cruised her way to many places, always eager to experience new. Among the places she visited were Paris, Hawaii, Germany, and Alaska. She would have continued traveling had her health allowed her to do so.

Virginia was prepared for one final flight. This journey would not include loud terminals or rushing ocean waves, instead, it would be the sound of a heavenly trumpet welcoming her into God's presence, a place of peace, healing, and everlasting joy. With her boarding pass confirmed, the destination did not list a city or country. It simply read: Heaven.

She will have reached her final destination, the place she believed she would see and the place waiting for her, since the day she entered this world. When the gates opened, she stepped into a light that does not blind but welcomes her in. No sickness, no pain, no sorrow, and no struggles, only belonging and the joy promised to all who finish their race in faith. Welcome home, thou good and faithful servant.

Virginia departed this life after a lengthy illness on Sunday, March 8, 2026. She leaves to cherish her memories and celebrate her beautiful life: three daughters, Jacqueline (Johnnie) Glass, Pamela (Carlos) Malone, and Valerie Dawson; two sons, John Barfield and Sydney (Lisa) Shamburger; one daughter-in-law, Portia Barfield, seven sisters, Lille M. (Tommie) Townsend, Patricia Audrey, Marilyn Phillips, Jo Ann Taylor, Theresa Williams, Elizabeth Freeman, and Juanita Hamilton; two sisters-in-law, Rosetta Taylor and Ivy Jean Barfield-Lambert; one brother-in-law, Emmett Barfield, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.