Virginia Moffitt

Virginia Moffitt was born on May 10, 1931 to the late William and Maude Whiteside in Asheville, North Carolina. At an early age, she joined Shiloh AME Zion Church. At Shiloh, a strong spiritual foundation was instilled in Virginia that carried her through her life’s journey. She would later join St. Phillips Baptist Church in Washington, DC and the Jericho City of Praise in Landover, Maryland. As an adolescent, she took on part-time jobs as a caretaker for children and a cook, while attending Stephens-Lee High School where she earned her high school diploma. During this time, Virginia also learned to play the piano and she could play by ear. Shortly after graduating from high school, she would meet Cletus Owens and out of their union was born her first beloved child, Charles Russell Whiteside. While in Washington, DC to visit with her sisters, Dessie Belle Williams and Shirley Dubard, Virginia met the love of her life, Joe Thomas Moffitt, Sr., and they were married on January 24, 1959—the same day of Charles’ birthday. They settled in Northwest Washington where they had two children, Barbara Michelle and Joe Thomas Jr. The couple was known for their hospitality as neighbors and friends frequented their apartment in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Virginia never met a stranger. It was not uncommon for her to sit and talk with people at the shopping mall. She cherished her role as a stay-at-home Mom and was a mother and grandmother figure to many. Virginia’s legacy rests in her children, who are all living God-fearing productive lives. Virginia transitioned peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 27, 2023 at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, Maryland. She is survived by her sons Charles Whiteside and Joe Moffitt, Jr. (Inga); daughter Barbara Goliday (Anthony) and bonus daughter, Elaine Gantt Austin (Victor); her beloved brother Reverend Albert Mills (Marian); her grandchildren, Janyce Whiteside, Dayna Dority, Kara Moffitt, Evan Moffitt and bonus grandchild, Nicholas Austin; one great-grandchild Jamari Rolls; nieces Rosa Williams and Monica Mills; nephews Gregory Williams, Sr. (Mary), Alan Williams, Vernon Williams, Jr. (Rhonda), Reginald Mills; cousin and riding buddy Hollis Pearce (James), and a host of other family members and friends.

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Virginia Moffitt

May 10, 1931 - January 27, 2023