Virginia Malida Chranford Shean lived a long and eventful life devoted to service. She was born in Chaffin Bridge, Illinois on March 18, 1916. She loved growing up with family on the farm. She especially liked going to her grandfathers blacksmith shop.
She was very proud of being a Grand Golden Bear, having graduated from Missouri State Teacher’s College in 1938.
She married Wesley Edward Shean on September 5, 1940. He preceded her in death as did her parents Hubie Plez and Malida Johanna Chranford, and an infant daughter.
Virginia was pleased to serve the community as a public school teacher including 28 years at Holland elementary, 1 year at Mt. Vernon, Mo. and 1 year in Eureka Springs, AR. After retirement she was an R-12 School Volunteer. She was a volunteer, teacher and director for her church, St. John’s United Church of Christ. She was a member of MSTA, NEA Kappa Kappa Lota, Women’s Guild, PTA, and lifetime member of Eastern Star. She worked tirelessly to help establish the scholarship from her Central High Class of 1933 for future generations.
Virginia is survived by 2 children and their spouses; Patsy and Gene Summers and Mike and Jeri Shean; three grandchildren, Gena and Eric Thompson, Wesley and Amanda Summers and Erin Virginia Ruth Shean was well as 3 great-grandchildren; Dylan Thompson, Sarah Johanna and Megan Summers.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at 1:00 P.M. at Greenlawn Funeral Home South, 441 W. Battlefield, Springfield, Mo. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO.
Virginia’s passion was education. Therefore in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Virginia Shean Memorial Scholarship Fund, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, 425 E. Trafficway, Springfield, Mo. 65806
Virginia’s family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Hospice Compassus and the Ozark Nursing and Care Center.