Virginia was born to the parentage of the late Calvin and Ada Murphy on May 8, 1949 in Anniston, Alabama. She graduated from Cobb Avenue High School in 1967. she married Allen Hayes Wardlaw and from this union four children were born. She moved to Baltimore, Maryland and lived there for more than forty years. She continued her education at the Community College of Baltimore City and Baltimore County Community College. Last October she moved back to Anniston to live closer to her siblings and was recently attending Gadsden State College.

Virginia had a love for learning, laughing, playing cards, listening to music and just having fun. She used to make delicious  meals and her "eclectic" style of dress and fashion was impressive! She took pride in her hair, shoes and English skills. Virginia loved to debate and one thing is certain,; she loved to get her point across! To know her was to love her. She was a nurturer and made sure her sisters and children were taken care of. She loved her brothers and bragged on how good they looked and how great they could sing. She will always be remembered for the love she showed and the care she gave to everyone.

Virginia departed this life on November 6, 2013 at the Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center. Virginia's memory will live on through: her children, Rodney (Carolyn), Roshaun, Roshelle and  Ron (Christina), all of Baltimore, Maryland; three sisters, Vivian Jordan of Glencoe, Alabama, Linda (Curtis) Jordan of Saks, Alabama and She'Lante (Gerald) Wood of Tomball, Texas; her brothers, Calvin (Eunice) Murphy of Riverdale, Georgia and Herman (Brenda) Murphy of Decatur, Georgia; a devoted friend, Joan Powell; ten grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.