Thelma Shifflett Widener passed away on October 26, 2023 and is now with her Lord and her family that passed on before.
Thelma was born in Albemarle County in 1939 to Nelie and George Harvey Shifflett. One of eleven children, she was
a loyal and loving daughter and sister to them all.
She was married to Benjamin F. Widener and they loved, supported, and cared for each other for over sixty years.
Ben and Thelma had one son, Scott Widener. She also loved and adored all of her grandchildren.
She will be remembered as the sweetest, most kind soul. She was selfless and always put her family and friends first.
She was a caregiver to her core, and she never met a stranger. Thelma’s mantra was “Treat others the way you want
to be treated”. Thelma had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone.
Thelma worked at the Michie Company in Charlottesville for over thirty-five years and stayed in touch with the
friends she made there until the day she passed. She loved her family and some of her happiest moments were when
the entire family gathered at her sisters Bulah’s, Chellie’s, or Nancy’s houses for holidays. She loved to cook for these
family gatherings and will be remembered for her twelve-layer cake. It was a labor of love, but she always made one
for Christmas and for her son’s birthday. Thelma loved to travel with her friends and family, spending time with her
grandsons, working in her garden, and attending church service with Ben. She collected Longaberger baskets and was
a huge Elvis Presley fan.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Bulah Sprouse, Chellie Polonitza, and Ruby Scruggs; her
brothers Ferrell Shifflett, Edward Shifflett, Randell Shiflett, and Sherman Shifflett; and her stepdaughter Terry Baker.
She is survived by her husband, Ben Widener; son, Scott Widener; daughter-in-law, Anne Widener; grandsons, Stuart
and Mack Widener; her brother, Ralph Shiflett; her sisters Nancy Thomas and Linda Shifflett; her stepdaughter, Judy
Brewer; grandchildren, Lee Baxter, Robert Baker , and Mandy Baker; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins
who loved her well.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Stroke Association or the Hospice of the Piedmont.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teaguefuneralhome.com for the Widener
family.