Biography: Virginia Ann McKay-Petersen was born in Montezuma, GA on November 29, 1948. She was a blessing to her parents, Willie James McKay and Estella McKay.
Virginia was the eldest of (4) siblings. Having lost her mother Estella she showed internal maternal instincts as she helped her grandparents Fred and Elizabeth care for her brother, even though she was a mere child herself. Even then, her loving personality shown through.
The entire family later moved to New York City. At an early age Virginia followed the spiritual example of her grandparents, the late Fred and Elizabeth Freeman, observing their love for the Lord. She accepted the Lord in her heart. After joining the Loyal Baptist Church Bronx, New York, she grew in the faith maturing in the Lord.
Virginia, lovingly called “Ann” by family and friends, was educated in the New York public schools. She completed her foundational education at Walton High School.
After graduation, Virginia “Ann” pursued her life-long dream and desire to become a nurse. She worked toward this goal with
determination, long hours of study and hard work. She earned her degree as Registered Professional Nurse (RPN). After graduation she used her gifts and talents working in ER at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Bronx, NY for over 30 years until her retirement.
While working in her chosen career, she met the love of her life, her husband Wayne Vincent Petersen. His desire too was to become a RPN which he achieved.
Wayne and Virginia’s love story began. They married on May 22, 1994. Wayne and Virginia “Ann” enjoyed an exciting lavish life. They cruised the high seas and visited all of the Caribbean Islands.
Though their union did not produce children, their love for children led them to become Godparents. They also became devoted aunt and uncle to their nieces and grand nieces and nephews whom they adored. Virginia “Ann’s” love for her children was boundless and unconditional. She loved her entire family. She became our personal nurse always being the first one to visit the ailing family member. She showed her love to all by remembering their special events. She was the youngest family historian who kept record of who’s who.
“Ann” embraced her father’s wife, Dorothy McKay. “Ann” adopted “Dot” as mother and they shared a special bond. Later “Ann” moved to Michigan to be closer to the mother whom she dearly loved.
Even as Virginia “Ann” became successful, she did not forget her first love - God. She grew in knowledge and the things of God. She was led to worship at First Union Baptist Church. She fully participated in church ministry. She loved attending Prayer Meetings, Sunday School and singing in the choir. Her favorite song is “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. That’s what “Ann” has been doing.
Virginia “Ann” was a living, walking and talking example of love. She never met a stranger. She loved and greeted everyone! Everyone initially was addressed as “sweetie.” Afterwards, she assigned them a nickname.
After the passing of her beloved Wayne, she enjoyed the benefit of having many loving caretakers. Her recent caretakers accepted her as an extended member of their family. She frequented their home so often that she earned a nickname herself - “Ann Again.” Her response became “Yes, Ann again and again.”
Virginia “Ann” McKay-Petersen entered into eternal rest on January 8, 2020 in Southfield, MI.
Virginia “Ann” is proceeded in death by her biological parents Willie James McKay and Estelle McKay; Brothers, Willie James McKay Jr., Ricky McKay; and husband, Wayne Vincent Petersen.
Virginia “Ann” McKay-Petersen leaves to cherish her memory; Mother, Dorothy McKay; Aunts, Frances Oats, New York, New York, Nettie F. Addison (Johnny Addison) Henrico, VA; Uncle, Ollis Freeman (Jesse Freeman) Bronx, New York; Nieces, LaShawn
Jackson and Amanda Sims; Grandnieces and grandnephews; Godchildren, Melissa Doweary and Taira Redfield; Sondra S. Cooley, most trusted cousin; Beloved friends, Gertie Hodges and Cheryl Parker; A host of cousins and friends; Caretakers; Tyena Powell, Evadney Haughton, Tasha Arzu and family, Renee (Tonya) Watson and family and Ebony Strother.
We love “Ann” now and forever! We will miss her carefree spirit, the sway in her walk and her contagious laugh. We are grateful to God for her life and for the honor of sharing in her genuine loving spirit.
Lovingly Submitted By The Family
