Virginia Pittman Shell

Virginia Pittman Shell, 95, formerly of Roanoke Rapids died December 17, 2021 at Spring Oaks of Petersburg.

Born September 21, 1926 in Scotland Neck, NC was a daughter of John Cephus and Alice Vivian Staton Pittman.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond Shell; sons, Walter Shell and Bill Shell; great-grandson, Jim Bain; and 8 siblings.

Virginia spent most of her life in food service, owning her own restaurants. She became a certified chef.  She was the manager of the NCO Club at Dahlgreen Naval Base for a number of years.  She also ran the Tripp-A-Lee Restaurant in Reedville. Virginia helped turn the old Holiday Inn into a home for boys from age 12 years.  She also worked for 10 years locally at Families Supporting Families.

Virginia is survived by her daughters, Tonya Mahaffey (Chuck) of Chester, VA and Gloria Bain of Dinwiddie, VA; daughter-in-laws, Patsy Shell of Roanoke Rapids and Phyllis Shell of Litchfield, IL; foster son, Billy Newton (Shari) of Roanoke Rapids; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

The service for Mrs. Virginia Shell will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday December 22, 2021 from the graveside at Cedarwood Cemetery with Dr. Bane Angles presiding.  The family will greet friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Department of First Christian Church, 836 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

The online guest register may be signed at hockadayfs.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.