Virginia Ann McCurtain began her journey January 20, 1938 and departed this life at the age of 80 on December 7, 2018.
She was the first daughter born to Levester and Lula (Brown) Shoate, with earning the nick name “baby sister” from Sister Roxy, which stuck with her throughout her life.
Along with being grandma's sous-chef and helping work on the farm, she also helped in raising her younger siblings. Virginia’s education began at Douglas school in Fort Coffee where she was on the varsity team in basketball. Virginia was also known for sewing and designing her own clothing.
After graduating she found her beloved husband Earnest Nero into which six children were born. After this marriage momma was blessed with two more children. Virginia retired from Tyson Foods after many years. She worked in the nursing field which was her true calling, she loved taking care of people.
She would always say, “You can’t do a job like this because of the pay, it’s a job you have to feel from your heart” and she did it well. She was on the usher board at Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church for 25 years and sang alto in the choir. She loved her church and her church family.
Virginia was preceded in death by her father, Levester Shoate, her mother, Lula Shoate, two brothers, Kenneth and Roderick Shoate, one sister Rebecca Walker, infant daughter, Juanita Nero, and one grandson Douglas Nero. She leaves to cherish her memory Anita Rucker(Jerry) of Spiro, Debra Mitchell of Ft Gibson, Earnest Nero, Jr.(Gloria) of Ft Gibson, Greg Nero (Evelyn) of Mustang, Tyrone Nero (Sachi), Muskogee, Terri Grusendorf (Greg) of Norman, Mona Nero Johnson of Oklahoma City, Orrick Nero of Longview, Texas, 22 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. Virginia will also be fondly remembered by her siblings, Billy Cutchlow (Carol) of Kansas City, LJ Shoate (Kay) of Oklahoma City, Harvey Shoate (Tinna) of Spiro, Yvonne Henderson of Kansas City, Paulette Sims of Oklahoma City, Charlotte Gordon(John) of Norman, Myron Shoate of Oklahoma City, along with a host of loving Nieces, Nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A home going celebration will be held Saturday, December 15th, 11am at the First Baptist Church in Spiro, with Reverend Wesley Hooks officiating.
Burial will follow in the Fort Coffee Cemetery under the care and supervision of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers and Flower Bearers will be her grandsons and granddaughters.
There will be no public viewing but the family will greet friends Friday from 5pm-7pm at the funeral home.