Virginia Foard Massey, 95, of Street, MD died peacefully Thursday, August 9, 2018 in her home. The daughter of the late Samuel B. Foard, Sr. and Etta (Huff) Foard, she was born March 15, 1923 on her parents' farm. She was the wife of the late Reverend Herbert E. Massey, with whom she shared nearly 70 years of marriage.

Virginia graduated from the former Jarrettsville High School in 1940; attended Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, where she met her future husband, a seminarian; and received a degree in home economics in 1944. After marrying that summer, the couple moved to Ohio where she began a lifelong journey as a supportive pastor's wife. During the course of their Ohio years, they had the privilege to serve Methodist churches in multiple communities. Fully involved in the life of these congregations and comfortable in leadership roles, she led youth groups, retreats, bible study and prayer groups. She also held numerous local and conference-related offices in the United Methodist Women. During the summer of 1956, Virginia and Herb participated in a six-week exchange pastorate in Rhyl, North Wales. Later they attended the World Methodist Conference in Dublin, Ireland in 1976 and Hawaii in 1981.

After Herbert's retirement in June of 1982, they returned to Street where she seamlessly resumed life on the farm she'd left in the '40's and renewed her involvement in Emory United Methodist—the church of her childhood and where she was married. Hers was a life devoted to serving God and others. Many were the beneficiaries of her gifts of hospitality, presence and encouragement. She often provided a listening ear while remaining nonjudgmental. She found beauty in the smallest details.

Virginia is survived by her brother, Samuel B. Foard, Jr.; her daughter, Rebecca Sherrell Massey Cultice; her son, Joseph Foard Massey (Renetia Martin); granddaughter Amanda Yeaton-Massey (Patricia Chu); grandson, David Yeaton-Massey; great grandchildren, Simon Chu and Willow Chu; numerous nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Grace Elizabeth Foard, who died in infancy, and her brother, Wilbur H. Foard.

Viewings will be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday morning from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in Emory United Methodist Church, 911 Cherry Hill Road, Street, MD. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary with her minister, Pastor Stephen E. Smith co-officiating with former pastor, Reverend Dr. Paul Benjamin. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate memorial contributions to Emory United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 94, Street, MD 21154; to Mason-Dixon Community Services, Inc., 708 Highland Road, Street, MD 21154; or to the charity of your choice.