Obituary of Virginia Johnson Wheeler

Virginia Johnson Wheeler, the eternal optimist, passed away peacefully at her Reston home at age 79 on Oct. 24, 2011. Well loved by all, she is survived by her children, Lauren, Pamela and Steven, grandchildren Daniel, Patricia and Virginia, and long-time companion George Rivenbark. Virginia infused hope and actualized dreams as a career counselor and professor at George Mason University for 26 years. Her passion for working with students, as she did until her final year, made her a role model. She graduated from Allegheny College and received her Masters degree from Columbia University. Proud of her Swedish heritage, Virginia had strong commitment to family and created community wherever she worked or lived. She made lifelong friends from Nigeria, Barbados and Virginia. Memorial service will be held 2-4 pm on Sat., Oct. 29 at Unity of Fairfax Church (2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Virginia's name to Allegheny College, Southern Poverty Law Center or Children's Hospital (CNMC). Send condolences to www.adamsgreen.com.