Sis. Virginia Michael of Sheridan, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2023, at her home at the age of 81. She was born October 6, 1942, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the daughter of the late J.A. Davis and Edna Ford Davis. She was a pillar of strength, virtue, and unwavering faith, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and a deep appreciation for life's beauty.

One of the greatest blessings that God gave Sis. Virginia was her husband of almost 53 years, Bro. Al. They were the "dynamic duo" of ministry. For 38 years, they served as pastors of Junet Pentecostal Church, leaving an indelible mark on the community with their leadership and guidance. It has been said, "Bro. Al is the gentle shepherd, and Sis. Virginia is the sheepdog, walking behind, nipping at people's heels, when necessary".

Virginia was a spirited worship leader who led the congregation every Sunday and Wednesday from the piano. In addition to her musical contributions, she was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, imparting wisdom and faith to the members of the congregation. She had a unique ability to speak the truth in love, and sometimes the truth was hard. She cared more about your soul than she did about your feelings.
Beyond the church walls, Virginia exemplified the Christian virtue of selfless service. She and Bro. Al dedicated their lives to the service of others. For over four decades, she volunteered at the Sheridan Nursing Home, bringing comfort and joy to residents through her weekly singing sessions. Her vitality and energetic songs brought comfort and joy to those in their golden years. Not only was she named volunteer of the year multiple times by the nursing home, the piano bears a plaque with her name in her honor.

Virginia found joy in cultivating the beauty of God's creation. A passionate flower gardener, she tended to her garden with care, with a particular fondness for roses.  Her love for creating inviting spaces extended beyond the garden. Virginia was an avid landscaper, constantly designing new seating areas, paths, and points of interest all over her yard.

Virginia's talents weren't limited to the church and garden; she was a gracious entertainer with a gift for making everyone feel welcome. It was not unusual for her home to be the gathering place for family and friends.  She hosted countless Sunday dinners, tea parties, Valentine parties, and many impromptu dinners as well. You could always count on a pot of chili with a sweet potato pie during the first cold snap. She instilled this love for hospitality in her children and grandchildren, teaching them the art of entertaining with warmth and joy. Together, they created precious memories around the dining table and the piano, and during boisterous  moments spent working on intricate puzzles.

Known for her creative flair, Virginia had a penchant for surprising her children with the ever-changing décor of their home. They would return from their daily endeavors to find a completely transformed living space, a testament to Virginia's artistic spirit and curiously strong upper body. These unexpected transformations became a source of joy and amusement for her family.

Her memory will forever echo in the halls of Junet Pentecostal Church, the rooms of the Sheridan Nursing Home, and in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of being touched by her grace. On Wednesday morning, Sis. Virginia heard the Lord say those words she'd longed to hear one day, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". She closed her eyes in her earthly home and opened them again in her heavenly home. There truly is "shoutin' on the hills of Glory " today, as Sis. Virginia is seeing the place that she spent her ministry pointing towards, Bible in hand, showing others how they could get there too.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bro. Albert Michael Jr., her brother N.E. Williams, and her sisters Bonnie Needham and Glenda Lisenbey.

She is survived by her son, Michael Michael and wife Jennie of Sheridan; daughters, Jennifer Lisenbey and husband Stacy of Plainview, and Andrea Oldner and husband Perry of Sheridan; brother, Tom Davis and wife Janice of Hardin; 6 grandchildren, Amanda Hooper (Adam), Andrew Oldner (Norma), Collin Michael (Audrey), Sarah Michael, Caleb Lisenbey (Kelsey), and Emily Dunlap (Samuel); one great grandson, Noah Oldner and two more on the way. She is also survived by her cherished Junet Church family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Leasa Freeman for her extension of love and care for their beloved mother.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 A. M. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the funeral home with Greg Reed, Bro. Stacy Lisenbey and Bro. Daniel Taylor officiating. Visitation is 9:30 until service time. Burial will be at Jones Cemetery near Jefferson.