Sophia "Sophie" Shumaker Milam

Sophia "Sophie" Shumaker Milam, 97, had her prayers answered on June 13th when she went home to be with her beloved husband Carson. For 65 years they worked tirelessly together to establish a family, home and real estate business.

Sophie was known for her love of people and spent her life trying to make this world a better place for those she touched.

As an active member of Grove Avenue Baptist Church for 57 years, she served as a door greeter, President of the Friendship Class and, for 40 years, President of the Women's Missionary Union. For many years she was known as the "Hostess" of Grove Avenue, where she organized and orchestrated weddings, receptions and banquets. As chairman of the Comfort Committee she ministered to bereaved families by organizing food preparation and meeting their other needs even before asked. She was featured in the "Someone Special" column of the Richmond News Leader in 1982 which attested to her dedication to others. From 1965 until 2000 Sophie was a member of the Sleepy Hollow Bowling League and the Sleepy Hollow Club.

She is survived by her daughter, Sue Milam Heneberger and her husband Randolph Grymes Heneberger, her grandson, William Van Cabaniss, Jr. and his wife Allison Perrine Cabaniss,her granddaughter, Lee Cabaniss Benton and her husband John Brockett Benton, her great grandchildren, Annabelle Lillian Cabaniss, Baron Van Cabaniss, Beau Woodrow Cabaniss, Sophie Brockett Benton, and Carson Elizabeth Benton. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Bruce Shumaker, Clyde Shumaker, Patsy Brooks, Nancy Carol Shumaker, Donnie Land, Sandra Lee Pucchi, Jimmy Milam, and Shirley Albright.

The family wishes to especially thank Rev. Bill and Mrs. Mickie Carter for their faithful caregiving and support of both Sophie and Carson in their last years. Also many thanks go to the staff of Spring Arbor Assisted Living on John Rolfe Parkway, for the great love and care they administered to Sophie over the past 20 months.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm, Sunday, June 17, at the Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd, Richmond. Services will be held at 11am, on Monday, June 18, at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, 8701 Ridge Road, Richmond. Interment Riverview Cemetery. Condolences at: www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com