Virginia Lawhorn Shafer, 86, of Natural Bridge Station, died Sunday, August 19, 2007.

She was born May 10, 1921 in Rockbridge County, a daughter of the late Lester Lawhorn and Carrie Painter Lawhorn.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Shafer; three sisters and a brother, Edna L. Templeton, Alleene Marie Lawhorn, Helen. B. Valentyne, and Robert Lawhorn.

Mrs. Shafer retired from Burlington Industries after 43 years as a payroll clerk.

She was a member of the High Bridge Presbyterian Church, where she served as Sunday School superintendent, teacher, and circle chairman.

She was the first woman elder and deacon, was clerk of the session, treasurer, past president of the Women of the Church, district chairman of the WOC, where she was given life membership of the WOC.

Mrs. Shafer was past president of the AARP and was secretary of the Northwest Council of the AARP. She was past president of the Natural Bridge Elementary School PTA.

She is survived by a daughter, Sarah S. Braford and husband, Sam; two grandchildren: Melissa E. Braford and Michalla B. Braford; one great grandson, Logan Kendric Braford; two sisters: Annie L. Blackwell, Lexington, and Linda L. Lawhorn, Sparks, NV; and a sister-in-law, Annette L. Lawhorn, Jacksonville, NC. A special thanks to Lee and Elizabeth Hardy.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2007 at the Harrison Funeral Chapel with Rev. Glenn M. Coleman and Rev. Terry Bostic officiating. Burial will follow in the High Bridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.