Virginia Thompson Hanson 91, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Virginia was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in July of 1934 to Lawson Forrest and Mildred Thompson. She grew up in a lively household as one of five children alongside her siblings, Lawson Jr., Marjorie “Margie”, Barbara and Jane. From her earliest days, she carried with her a spirit of kindness and quiet strength.
At Grady High School in Atlanta, Virginia met the love of her life, Tom “Tommy” Hanson. He was a star athlete and she was elected football queen. Their story together spanned decades – first as sweethearts, then as husband and wife, and always as partners in faith, family and friendship. Together they moved to Jacksonville, then Atlantic Beach and finally Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where they raised their four children with steadfast love and devotion.
Virginia’s kindness, Southern charm and gentle humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her sense of humor often caught you by surprise and left you smiling. She had a gift for quietly seeing the needs of others and meeting them with warmth.
She was a devoted member of the Methodist Church, where she and Tom poured their hearts into service and fellowship. They raised their children at Arlington United Methodist Church and served as Family Coordinators. After moving to the beach and Beach’s Methodist Church, Virginia noticed that worshippers arriving there sometimes needed help with directions or a warm smile, so she started the Welcome Center. For many years, she faithfully greeted others with quiet warmth – offering a smile, a hug, or even a piece of candy and helping them with directions– simple gestures that conveyed a sense of love and care. After moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, they became members of Ponte Vedra Methodist Church where Virginia attended Bible Study as long as she was able. Together, they also supported the Blessings in a Backpack ministry.
They were early members of Selva Marina Country Club, where they enjoyed golf and community. Beginning in her 50’s, Virginia took up running, surprising even herself with her love for the sport. She entered distance races across the area and often placed and even won her age group, showing that life could always hold new adventures.
She traveled extensively, but her favorite pastimes were reading the paper and completing the crossword every morning, long walks with Tom in the evenings and spending time as “GV” with her beloved grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom and son-in-law Ken Scheiderman. She is survived by her children, Philip Hanson (Cindy), David Hanson (Anne), Robin H. Scheiderman, and Karen H. Vaughn (Rob); grandsons, Will and David Vaughn; sister, Jane Skogstad (Sam); and many nieces, nephews, grand dogs, cats and horses.
A memorial service will be held on November 28 at Ponte Vedra Valley Chapel and Cemetery. If you’d like to make a donation in her memory, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
