Virgene Muriel Ficken

Virgene Muriel (Shore) Ficken, 88, passed away peacefully in her home in Tuscaloosa, AL on June 13, 2026. Virgene was born February 8,1938, in Crescent, OK to Virgil Shore and Irene June (Weldon) Shore. Virgene attended Guthrie High School in Guthrie, OK and was named Homecoming Queen in her Senior year. During that time, she met and fell in love with Roland Ficken. They were married on August 18, 1957.

Virgene and Roland had two sons, Mark and Eric, and in 1974 the family moved to Tuscaloosa, AL where Roland began his teaching career and where Virgene would eventually work and retire as an administrative assistant from the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing.

Virgene’s name was unique, for it was a combination of her father and mother’s first names. This was not, however, the only unique quality about Virgene. Her compassion for everyone she met was uniquely genuine and heartfelt. As a result of her welcoming nature, people who met her became instantly comfortable around her. She was always available to talk, listen, and hold a hand.

One of Virgene’s greatest joys in life was being a grandmother to her two grandsons, Timothy and Matthew. She loved them deeply.

As a member of Canterbury Chapel Episcopal Church, Virgene and her husband Roland started Deacon’s Deli, a ministry that, to this day, continues to provide groceries to families in need.

We will miss seeing your smile, holding your hand, and the warmth of your embrace. Virgene is survived by her son Eric Timothy Ficken and his wife Sheila Tynan Ficken of Woodstock, GA and grandsons Timothy Michael Ficken of Chicago, IL, and Matthew Allen Ficken of Charlotte, NC.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Deacon’s Deli at Canterbury Chapel Episcopal Church.

Checks can be made out to:

Canterbury Chapel Episcopal Church, for Deacon’s Deli/Virgene

812 Fifth Ave

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Details regarding funeral services are pending and will be shared when available.