Virginia M. Fishburn

Virginia M. Fishburn of Akron, Ohio passed away on August 21, 2023, just four months shy of her 100th birthday. Visitation at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron on Tuesday, August 29 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service at Newcomer on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Officiating the service will be the Reverend Dr. Joe Burckhardt.

Virginia is survived by her children Dorothy Meyers (Tony), Dorena Henson, Michael Henson, Brian Fishburn and Barry Fishburn, siblings Harless Pelfrey, Barbara Lackey, Dorene Ball and Janice Kibler, and numerous in-laws, loving nieces, nephews and their descendants, loving friends, and neighbors. Predeceased by her husband Robert Fishburn, son Roger Henson, ex husband Clark Henson, granddaughter Abby Fishburn, and siblings Cathlene Lambert, Robert Pelfrey, Juanita Clay, Vivian Hartman, David Pelfrey, Donald Pelfrey and John Pelfrey.

Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Wayne County, West Virginia, she came from a hard-working family. As an adult, her fierce sense of independence and adventure took her on trips across all fifty states, and as far as Canada, England, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For many years she raised her first three children alone while working very hard in various factories in the Akron area. She ultimately retired from Quikey Mfg. but returned to work a few years later when AESCO Electronics asked her to come work for them. She continued to work part time until she was 86 because she loved her job and the people.

When she wasn't travelling, she loved spending time at home with family, and visiting with friends and neighbors. For as long as she could, she remained active and on the go. She did her own hair every week and stayed physically fit by exercising daily at home and going line dancing. She was an active member of various community groups, including Meals on Wheels, the former food pantry at Arlington Memorial Baptist Church, Widowers to Widowers, and AARP.

She will be fondly remembered as an artist in the kitchen, baking fresh pies and buttermilk biscuits that were "just too pretty to eat," and as a fierce competitor at the card table, laying down winning hands with catchphrases like, "Well, would you look at that," "Looky here," and "For heavens' sake." Those who got to know her remember her bright eyes, knowing smile, and infectious laughter.

Her greatest legacy, among many, will continue to be her children, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. Stories about her will be shared around the table for generations to come.


The family would also like to thank Dr. Bradley Crombie and staff, the caring staff and friends at Sarah Care, North Canton, Summa Care Homecare, Palliative, and Hospice Services and all the doctors, nurses and staff at Summa Barberton and Ohio Living Rockynol.



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