Shirley Taylor Rinker

Shirley Taylor Rinker, 89, of Petersburg, VA passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Raymond S. Taylor and Mrs. Alice Hechler Taylor of Henrico County, VA. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Heywood of Florida. Shirley is survived by her husband, William O. Rinker; daughter, Barbara A. Rinker; sister, Anne Whitmore of Florida; and her nieces and nephews. Shirley graduated from Madison College (now JMU) and was a successful, professional underwriter with Aetna. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She volunteered and supported several local community organizations including Cosmopolitan International’s Club of Petersburg’s Diabetes Detection Clinic, The Christian Women’s Club, JMU’s Bluestone Society, and was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Shirley especially enjoyed teaching children’s Sunday school, vacation bible school and actively served on several committees at Newbridge Baptist Church in Highland Springs, VA and Washington Street United Methodist Church in Petersburg, VA. Her family would like to express their gratitude to the area healthcare professionals and friends who provided comfort and care to her and her family during her illness. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A private, graveside service will immediately follow at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to the James Madison University Foundation, “#16470 - Shirley Taylor Rinker Memorial Fund”, MSC 3603, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and online www.jmu.edu\give or to your charitable organization preference.