On Saturday, November 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital, Laura Virginia Wright Richie, 92, affectionately known as "Virginia, peacefully received her heavenly wings and entered into eternal rest. Born and raised in the beautiful Mountain Valley community, she spent her formative years surrounded by the comfort of close family, the strength of her community, and the blessings of country life. From an early age, she developed a profound appreciation for faith, family, and the simple joys that make life meaningful, values she carried with grace throughout her earthly journey.

Known throughout the neighborhood as "Mrs. Virginia," she embodied warmth, generosity, and compassion. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she never met a stranger. Her home was a place of open doors and open arms, where anyone who stepped inside felt welcomed, cared for, and truly seen. Her kindness was not just something she offered; it was who she was. She gave freely of her heart, her time, and her love to all who crossed her path.

As the matriarch of her family, she led with strength, steadfast love, and unwavering dedication. Her wisdom shaped generations, and her nurturing spirit became the anchor that held her family together. Family gatherings, cookouts, and celebrations were moments she cherished deeply. These occasions were not just events, they were expressions of love, unity, and tradition. Her presence made every gathering brighter, and her joy in seeing her family together created memories that will be treasured forever.

She retired from the Elks National Home, after many years of dedicated and faithful service. A woman deeply rooted in her faith; she was baptized at an early age at Otterville Baptist Church. Her life was a living testament to gentleness, and unconditional love. She carried a deep passion for her family, poured love into every meal she prepared, she found joy in horses, and cheered faithfully for her beloved Washington Redskins.

Although our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing she is now resting in peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and embraced in the eternal love of God.

She leaves behind a legacy that will never fade, marked by her enduring loyalty, her protective spirit, and her deep commitment to the well-being of her family. Her memory will forever remain a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Preceding her in death were her father, Walter Oscar Wright; her mother, James Ella Cheatwood Blake Wright; and her siblings, Roy Blake, Moorman Wright, Otha Wright, Geraldine (Willie) Parker, and Ophelia Brown (Roger) Thomas. She was also preceded in death by her son, Anthony Richie; her ex-husband, Nathaniel L. Richie; her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Richie; her sisters-in-law, Sylvia Dianne Wright, Ophelia (Sam) Cook, Viola (Claude) Mitchell, Bertha (Alonzo) Minnis, Francis (David) Wheaton, and Nannie Richie; and her brothers-in-law, Jessie (Lucille) Richie, James Richie, Charlie Richie Jr., Robert Richie, and Joseph Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Carolyn Richie, Larry Richie, Linda Richie, Frederick Richie, Karen Richie Abbott Parker, Kevin Richie, Evangeline Richie (Sunni), and Gregory Richie; her nephew, Jeffery Parker (whom she helped raise); her brother, Melvin Wright; and her sisters, Evelyn (Glen) Brown and Lucy Olivia Wright. She is also survived by her in-laws, Mary Smith and Sam (Veronica) Richie. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Donald Jr. (Eugina) Lowry, Kristy Lowry (Kevin), Twanisha Richie (Steven), Chad Lowry, Larry Richie Jr., Kristian (Sophie) Richie, Kendrick Richie, P. Keith Abbott Jr., Justin Mattson, Kiana Abbott, Alyssa Mattson, Alexis Mattson, Yasmin Tejani, Taja Richie, Jaden Mattson, and Devin Lee; and her great-grandchildren: Tatyana (Nathan) Holofchak, Chad Purvis, K'Ron Lowry, Latrell Lowry, Amayah Purvis, Shania Lowry, Maurice Richie, Elijah Edwards, Damari Wyatt, Makahla Richie, Layla Robertson, Khamani Lowry, Anaiya Richie, Libya Abubakar, Cattleya Abubakar, Kiara Abbott, Tiara Abbott, and Aria Mattson. Great-great-grandchild, Neyvi Holofchak.

She leaves behind two cherished friends, Kelly Mattson and Daisy Carper, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends who will forever honor her memory.