Shirley Moore Laffoon

Shirley “Foon” – “Foonie” Laffoon, 89, of Matoaca, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024. She was the widow of Berkeley “Berk” Laffoon. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Moore; her father, Lionel Moore; two infant daughters, Kimi C. Laffoon and Baby Laffoon; special nephew, Arlie Nichols; and special niece, Alexis Nichols. She is survived by two sons, George Michael “Mike” Laffoon (Sherri) of Chester, VA, and Kevin M. Laffoon (Kathy) of Matoaca, VA; her grandchildren, Jessica Shifflett (Jim), Rev. Dr. Anita Laffoon, Erin Laffoon (Reese), Ryan Laffoon (Taylor), Emily Mills (Prayer Buddy), Caitlin Norman, Kristen Moore (Ryan); great-grandchildren, John “Jack” S. Shifflett, Maurice Eugene Bailey, Jr., and Elliana Noelle Bailey; a great-grandson on the way; her brother, C.L. Moore (Vicki); and sister-in-law and friend, Dorothy Riggan.

She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg for over 50 years. Later in life, she moved her membership to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Matoaca. She also went on the Emmaus Walk in 2006. She was co-chair of the JOY group with Peggy Baird at Second Church for 15 years. Peggy was Shirley’s best friend, and she adopted her as her sister. They were serious, funny, laughed a lot, and enjoyed being friends. Love you, Pug, and I hope you saved me a seat. Shirley was also a volunteer office helper for many years. She was a past choir member at Second Church and also past choir member at Wesley Chapel.

While in Junior High School, she helped out at the family Minton’s Meat Market on Market and High Streets. She delivered groceries up and down High Street while walking – I kid you not. While in high school, she worked at the Petersburg-Hopewell Gas Company. When her children were born, she stayed home and was a homemaker for her family. When Mike and Kevin started school, she kept children so she could be available for her own children. The children in her care came as infants and stayed until school age. She kept her grandchildren, alternating with their other grandmother, Lucy Barfield.

Several years after she retired from keeping children, she went to work for Swift Creek Mill Playhouse. At this time, she still kept her grandchildren, and her grandchildren enjoyed the summer Mill programs.

She was a caregiver for 18 years, first with her husband, Berk, and then her mother, Myrtle. After their deaths, she joined the Southernaires and was with them for ten years. When Southernaires disbanded, she joined the Bell Choir at St. Ann Catholic Church.

A big thank you to all my friends- K & L friends, especially Becky (my secretary), and my exercise friends. I hope all of you have a butterfly friend. 

Angels, Rainbows, and Hugs!

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 9227 River Road, S. Chesterfield, VA 23803. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Canine Companions at www.canine.org/donate. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com