Virginia Black Fikes

Virginia Shaw Black Fikes, a thoughtful, persevering, and adventurous soul with a wide range of interests has left us after making the world a happier place for those around her for 97 years. Virginia died in Robert Lee, Texas on August 16, 2013. While mourning her loss, family and friends give thanks for the joy that her wit, intelligence, goodness, generosity, and grace brought to their own lives. She remained independent and active until her last week and left this life in the same manner in which she lived it. A memorial service will be at Robert Lee Baptist Church on Tuesday morning, August 20th at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are with Robert Massie Funeral Home. Born October 25, 1915, Ginny was the second daughter of Ollie and Dixie Blankenship Shaw. Her early childhood was spent in Kaufman, Texas. The family later moved to Palestine, TX, where she was a 1933 PHS graduate. Virginia attended Howard Payne, and then San Angelo became her home. Virginia and Ed Black married March 18, 1939. Ginny worked for San Angelo National Bank until moving to Big Spring. She served as Howard County Auditor for thirteen years. Later Ed and she moved to Austin where she worked for Bob Bullock in the State Comptroller office. After Ed's death, Virginia retired and moved back to San Angelo where she was active in volunteer work for Immanuel Baptist Church and various agencies in San Angelo and Concho Valley. Virginia was elected and served four years as one of the first Silver Haired Legislators from San Angelo. She then served on the Silver Haired Legislature Foundation Board for the next twelve years. Baptist Memorials also benefited from her service on their Board of Directors. Virginia and Weldon Fikes married April 4, 1996, and thus she acquired three ‘chosen' daughters. After living in Robert Lee for several years, Weldon and Ginny moved to San Angelo. They enjoyed their Baptist Memorial neighbors on West St. and Immanuel Baptist Church family before health issues necessitated a move back to Robert Lee. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ed Black and Weldon Fikes, parents, sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Watson, and her nephew, Ben Watson. Survivors include her three chosen daughters and sons-in-law; Elaine and David Miller of Abilene, Marion and Jimmy Stewart of Midland, Farrell Jean and Wes Washam of Robert Lee, and their children. Ginny was blessed with a plethora of special friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Robert Lee Baptist Church.