ABINGDON, Va.
Mrs. Shirley Widener 85, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 14, 2023 with her family at her bedside. Born on April 6, 1938, she was a daughter of the late John Colonel Sage and Mary South Sage. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Gordon Lee Widener; a son, Michael Gale Widener; three grandchildren, Jamie Trogdon, Emily Dalton, and Becky Widener; a daughter-in-law Judy Baldwin Widener; a former son-in-law James Trogdon; three sisters: Margaret “Peg” Clemons, Ruth Bordwine, and Katherine Lethcoe, one brother, RG Sage, and one great-great grandson, Dawson Widener. Mrs. Widener was a life-long native of the area, and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She enjoyed serving over 18 years in the medical field at Johnston Memorial Hospital, and was a mentor and friend to many during her time there. Mrs. Widener was a vital part of establishing and building the Widener Trucking Corporation for over 55 years with her husband Gordon. She will always be remembered for her smile, her bubbly personality, and her love of her favorite color of yellow. She never met a stranger, and she could walk up to anyone and start a conversation as if they’d known each other for years. She was adamant that she did not want tears at her funeral, but only laughter, and a lot of good memories! She cherished her family, friends and community, and has left a legacy that will carry on for many years. Mrs. Widener is survived by children Danny Widener and wife Jean of Abingdon, Rick Widener of Abingdon, Suzan Widener of Abingdon, Karen Widener-Koontz and husband Lt. Col. Thomas (Dody) Koontz, USMC Ret. of Fredericksburg, VA, Dianne Holmes and husband Maj. Don Holmes, USMC Ret. of Fredericksburg, VA, and Chris Widener of Abingdon. Mrs. Widener is also survived by the following grandchildren: Tammy Trogdon of Stafford, VA, Jason Widener of Abingdon, Justin Widener and wife Amy of Abingdon, Jessica Widener of Abingdon, Allie Widener of Marshville, NC, Sage Koontz of Hong Kong, Ehren Koontz of Washington, DC, Ryan Koontz of Fredericksburg, VA, Stephanie Tucker and husband Josh of Martinsville, VA, Zachary Dalton and wife Ashley of Fredericksburg, VA, and Derek Widener of Abingdon. She is also survived by the following great grandchildren: Daniel Widener of Abingdon, Alex Worley of Marshville, NC, Keelie Kincaid, Zuriah Kincaid, and Beckett VanCott, all of Kutztown, PA, Braxton Widener of Abingdon, Callie Tucker, Davis Tucker and Emily Beth Tucker, all of Martinsville, VA, Madilynn Dalton and Dillyn Dalton of Fredericksburg, VA, and Caroline Widener. She is also survived by nieces Glenda Buchanan of Abingdon, and Elva McKinney of Princeton, WV; nephews Bob “Butch” Lethcoe of Arizona, Luke Lethcoe of Abingdon, and Benny Bordwine of Abingdon, and sisters-in-law Violet Rossie of Everett, WA and Edna Delp of Meadowview, VA. Also surviving is special friend Judy Blevins, who has always been there for this family for many years. Mrs. Widener was very blessed to have many other surviving family and friends. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, July 17, 2023 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 19383 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Rogerson officiating. Those wishing to attend via livestream are asked to go to www.emmanuelbaptistva.com . A committal service will follow at Knollkreg Memorial Park.
Active pallbearers will be Kelly Deel, Jamie Surber, Dale Hall, Howard Blevins, Kevin Fields, and Luke Lethcoe.
Honorary pallbearer will be David “Vernie” Doss, whom she loved like a son, and who called her “mama”.
The family also extends a special thanks to the following doctors that have provided exceptional care to her throughout her healthcare journey: Dr. Carl Valentine, Dr. Ryan Shao, and Dr. Kelly Blackwell. Also, they would like to give a special thank you to the Caris Hospice team and the Amedysis Home Health team who provided invaluable and compassionate care and services to Mrs. Widener and her family.
Flowers will be accepted or contributions in memory of Mrs. Shirley Widener may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Widener.