Virginia S. Etheridge

Virginia (Jean) Etheridge, long-time resident of Port St Joe, went to her heavenly home Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the age of 88. She was born September 10, 1933, in Shelton’s Corner Florida to parents Earl and Beulah (Freeman) Shelton. After graduating high school Jean moved to Port St Joe to work at St Joe Telephone and Telegraph Company. She met and married Fead Etheridge and together they raised their three children in the community. She was an active member of St James Episcopal Church and later St Peter’s Anglican Catholic Church.

Jean learned to play the fiddle at an early age and was self taught. She never learned to read music but could listen to any fiddle tune and play it by ear. She and Fead traveled extensively throughout the southeast to music and bluegrass festivals and took several Belt Buckle Bluegrass cruises. She met and played with many fine musicians through those years. Jean played competitively for a number of years and took first place in many fiddle playing championships during that time. People that heard her play appreciated her mastery of old time fiddle tunes.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Oleta Shelton, Louise (Shelton) Kelly, and Audry Shelton;brother, Leon Shelton.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years Fead Etheridge; sisters, Myrtis (Shelton) Baldwin, Doris (Shelton) Nichols, Shirl (Shelton) (Jack) White; sons, William Daniel (Brenda) Etheridge of Stevensville Michigan, Michael (Karen) Etheridge of Port St Joe. Florida, and Timothy (Linda) Etheridge of Dothan Alabama. Also surviving are grandchildren William, Mollie, Austin, Aisha, Cylas, and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, FL.