Virginia J. DeShazo's Obituary
Virginia J. “Jinjo” DeShazo passed away February 1, 2018 at Calusa Harbour, Fort Myers, Florida. She was born on October 25, 1918 in Martin, Tennessee to Reverend and Mrs. L.L. Jones. In 1937, she married Vincent “Bill” DeShazo at a small ceremony at his father’s home.Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Linda, and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sister, Mary Evelyn Hendren, sons Stephen (Nancy) DeShazo and David (Laura) DeShazo. She leaves behind eight grandchildren: Kent (Elizabeth) Adicks, Kyle (Kat) Adicks, Lori Adicks, Andrea (Whitney Blair) DeShazo, Brent (Linh) DeShazo, Matt (Leda) DeShazo, Jennifer DeShazo, Danny (Jamie) DeShazo and eight great grandchildren: Hayden and Evan Simmons, Carrington and Wayles Martin, Elise Kohl, Cameron DeShazo, and Jordan and Jason Adicks. She is also survived by her dear niece Pamela (David) Norris, and many other nieces and nephews.Virginia received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, and her Master’s Degree in Reading from University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. She was a member of Tau Alpha, Sigma Alpha Chi Honor Society, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and was a proud member of the Lee County Retired Educator’s Society. In 1982, she received the International Reading Council Literacy Award.Virginia was a faithful member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for decades, and participated in church circles and countless activities before her departure. Virginia was a lifelong educator, devoting her life to teaching. She taught at several elementary schools throughout her career and was the director of the Reading Resource Center in Lee County Public Schools. She worked tirelessly to promote literacy and even continued as a reading professor at the University of South Florida, after her retirement from the School District of Lee County.Affectionately known by many as “Jinjo”, she will be remembered for her love for family, her strength and resilience, wit, sense of style, stellar cooking skills, storytelling, generosity, and her faith. She served as an inspiration for many; as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, mentor and friend.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 6th at 1:00 PM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be at 12:00 PM Tuesday at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Virginia’s memory to either Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church at 4141 Deleon Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33917 or to a charity of your choice in her name.
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