Virginia Carroll Hastings Lawter's Obituary
Virginia Hastings Lawter, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.
She was born in Buffalo, NY, on October 10, 1923, to Thomas and Freda Hastings. The oldest of seven children, she was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben C. Lawter; three brothers; and two sisters. She is survived by her sister, Joan MacEwan of Filmore, NY.
Virginia leaves behind her four loving daughters: Linda Randall (Chris), Candy McCracken (Guy), Martha Deuterman (Charles - deceased), and Barbara Clark (Tom). She was cherished by her grandchildren: Jim Workman (Christine), Chris McCracken, Scott Lee (Brooke), Cari Garland (Ric), Matthew Deuterman (Jennifer), Jessica Rouff (Adam), and Joshua Clark (Rebecca). She was also blessed with great- and great-great-grandchildren: Brian (Megan) and their son Brett Michael, Sean, Kaitlin, Alexis, Alison, Emma, Olivia and her son Cooper, Mason, Jackson, Tyler, Sophia, Bodhi, Alex, Eric, and Penelope. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who held her dear.
After graduating high school, Virginia volunteered as an enemy plane spotter on Lake Erie. She later enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, serving at the Navy Department Bureau of Aeronautics in the Still-Picture Library. It was in Washington, D.C., where she met and married her young Marine. Together, the Marine Corps led their family to several postings— Niagara Falls, NY; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; and Cherry Point, NC—before they settled in Alexandria, VA, to raise their daughters.
Virginia enjoyed a long career with the United States Post Office in Alexandria. Upon her retirement, she relocated to the Fredericksburg area. She was a proud, lifelong member of American Legion Post 24 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 871, Alexandria, VA.
Above all, Virginia devoted her life to her family. Her legacy will live on through all of them. She was an avid traveler who loved the beach, palm trees, birdwatching, music, and family gatherings. Her radiant smile, sparkling blue eyes, warmth, dry wit, and compassion will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2025 in the funeral home chapel. Virginia will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or the Fredericksburg Food Bank at fredfood.org/donate
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?
