Virginia L. Mangrum (Ninny by family and friends) died at 94 years of age.  She passed on to her eternal peace on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Virginia was born on May 20,1930 to Philmore and Luvinia Pickett in Newport News, VA. She attended Newport News public schools, graduating from Huntington High School. She was a member of the school marching band and several other extra-curricular activities.  She graduated in1948.

Subsequently, she met and married the love of her life, John L. Mangrum.  They were married for 70 years.  From this union they had two children: Louis and Marilyn.  Virginia attended the Dixie Hospital Nursing Program.  The Dixie Hospital Nursing Program was one of the earliest nursing programs open to Black nursing students in the United States.  There she received her LPN degree.  She worked at Dixie Hospital and later worked at the VA Hospital in Hampton, VA.  She retired from the VA Hospital after over twenty years.

Virginia Mangrum was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church East End for over 70 years.  There she served on the Nurses Ministry which was very dear to her heart.  During her tenure on the nursing ministry at First Baptist, she participated in health screenings for members after church services and she served at funeral services supporting families as needed.  Virginia was available during regular church services to care for members who needed medical attention.

She enjoyed travelling with the nurses' ministry on various bus trips to see religious plays, tours and shopping trips.  She also enjoyed cruises and travel with family and friends.

As a nurse, she brought an extraordinary devotion and a caring heart to her nursing patients.  Many of whom stayed in touch with her upon their release from the hospital.

Her two children and grandchildren received the same attention and care from her.  Her daughter Marilyn, who was a teacher, showed those same qualities upon her students and her son Louis, a recognized American Veteran, demonstrated those same qualities toward his fellow patriots.

Virginia was loved by her family.  She will be dearly missed by all, but especially by her granddaughter Venus, who was a devoted caregiver for her during those last years of her life.  She was fun to be around and had a beautiful glow when she smiled.  She loved the Lord and always said that He allowed her to take one day at a time.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Philmore and Luvinia Pickett, her husband, John L. Mangrum, her son, Louis Mangrum, her daughter, Marilyn Mangrum, her sisters, Marion G. Pickett and Evelyn Pickett, her brother, James Pickett.

Virginia leaves to cherish a granddaughter, Venus Mangrum, great-grandchildren, DaShawna Mangrum and David Mangrum, great-great grandchildren, Tyrees Bethea-Mangrum, Elex and KamRyn Mangrum, Reign Hallums and Maliyah Armor, cousins, Dr. Carolyn Reid-Wallace, Mrs. Natalie Mallory and Nathaniel H. Reid, III, and a host of other family members and friends.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.  Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the funeral home and one hour until the service at the church on Wednesday.  Interment will be held in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Croaker, VA.   O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.