Virginia Mae Souza

Virginia Mae Raven Souza was born on April 22, 1943 to her parents, Martin & Olivia Raven, in Selma, California. She began her Heavenly journey and met Jesus on July 20, 2024. Although no one was ready to say goodbye, Virginia lived a blessed life for 81 incredible years. Virginia's parents were lifelong residents of the Selma area and were married on June 9, 1942. They were blessed with the birth of Virginia the following year. Virginia was named after her paternal grandmother. She was one of 8 children: Virginia, Timothy, Theodore, Marty, Sharen, Sandra, Mark, and Scott. Virginia attended school with her siblings at St. La Salle Catholic School in Reedley. She graduated from Selma High School in 1962 and then, attended Reedley College. Virginia met the love of her life, Ernie Souza, at a Portuguese Festa Dance in Riverdale. It was love at first sight. They were married on November 17, 1963, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with two sons, Shane Souza and Randy Souza. Virginia spent most of her time raising the boys and supporting them in their activities, while working part time at the Laton Cooperative Gin. Both Ernie and Virginia enjoyed supporting their grandsons in their sports and activities as well. Both were members of the Catholic Church in Selma and then later, in Laton. After the boys were grown and married, both Ernie and Virginia enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Some of Virginia's favorite trips were New York, the Kentucky Derby, Italy, Spain, an Alaskan cruise, a mighty Mississippi river paddle boat cruise, and many bus tours throughout the United States. A few of her favorite trips were traveling through the southeast part of the country, where she felt most at home with the southern hospitality that was extended to Ernie & Virginia. A great story that she experienced while in the South was when she was approached by several people asking for her autograph as they thought she was Blanche Deveraux (Rue McClanahan) of the Golden Girls television sitcom. She experienced a once in a lifetime trip to Israel where she was in awe of the wailing wall. She enjoyed all the sights of New York but seeing the giant crater in the earth where the twin towers once stood was a memory never to be forgotten. Virginia loved her bus trips to go watch the FSU Bulldog football games. One of her favorite excursions was the recent trip to Rutgers Indiana. In addition to the "win", they took the bus around the Indianapolis Speedway, rode the gondola over the St. Louis arches, and visited the Clydesdales at Anheuser Busch. One of her more memorable trips was the bus tour to Albuquerque, NM to watch the Dogs and enjoy the large hot air balloon show. She said, "They are HUGE and beautiful, full of color!" If you knew Virginia, then it is no surprise that her favorite trip was to Memphis, TN, where she got to tour Graceland, home of Elvis Presley. She was a huge "Elvis" fan. Up until recently, you would always find Virginia in the front row of an Elvis impersonator concert with her favorite performer being Jeremy Elvis Pierce. Virginia was predeceased by her parents, Martin & Olivia Raven, as well as her brother, Marty Raven. Virginia is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ernie Souza; her son, Shane, his wife, Staci and their son, Maverick, all of Visalia; as well as her son, Randy, his former wife, Pam, both of Selma, and their two sons, Pierce and Preston, who currently reside in Tennessee. Virginia also leaves her siblings and their spouses: Timothy Raven (Debbie); Theodore Raven (Donna); Sharen Colliver (Paul); Sandra Gonsalves (Bennie); Mark Raven (Angie) all of Selma; and her brother, Scott Raven (Charlyse) of Kingsburg. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. On behalf of the family of Virginia Souza, we would like to thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. We appreciate the amazing caregivers that made Virginia feel so special these past few months - Sandra Gonsalves and Tatum Kerber. No visitation services will be held. A rosary is scheduled for Monday, August 5th at 6:00PM at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel located at 1588 Lincoln Street Kingsburg, CA. A funeral mass will be held on August 6th at 9:00 AM at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church located at 20855 South Fatima Avenue in Laton, CA. Virginia's final resting place will be at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Laton, CA. A celebration of life reception will follow immediately after the burial at the Raven Barn located at 7497 Elkhorn Ave, Selma CA. Remembrances in Virginia's name can be made to: KCAPS 1145 Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631. Virginia leaves behind a legacy of kindness and humility. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her final gift to her family was the acceptance of her disease and for bravery shown in facing terminal cancer. God blessed her with His mercy and protected her from pain and suffering. She is truly resting in the arms of Jesus, enjoying her eternal reward of salvation. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Virginia Mae Souza

April 22, 1943 - July 20, 2024