Virginia Mozell (Jefferson) Tyler

 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Reflection of Life

We saw you folding like a flower. We prayed to God to let you stay. We nursed you with tender kindness until God called you away. In the morning hours of Monday, January 26, 2026, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ softly whispered into the ear of our beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Virginia Mozell Jefferson-Tyler, come home my child, my servant and Christian soldier; thou hast done well; come on into the place that I’ve prepared for you. Thou have been faithful over a few things; I will now make you a ruler over many. Enter thou into the joys of the Lord.”

A Time to Plant

Virginia Mozell Tyler, affectionately known as Mozell, was born on February 12, 1928, in the Grizzard Community of Sussex County, Virginia. She was the beloved daughter of the late Giles and Lelian Jefferson and the third youngest of ten children. From her earliest days, Mozell’s life was firmly rooted in faith, family, and community.

She received her early education at Jefferson Elementary School, a school founded by her grandmother, Martha Jefferson, in Jarratt, Virginia. She later continued her education at Waverly High School in Waverly, Virginia, where she further developed the values and character that would define her life.

At a young age, Mozell accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with Chapel Hill Baptist Church, also founded by her grandmother, Martha Jefferson, and located on Highway 301 in Jarratt, Virginia. Her faith was steadfast, and her love for worship was evident through her devoted service in the church choir, where she sang faithfully for more than 30 years. Mozell found great joy in lifting her voice in praise, cooking lovingly for family and friends during homecoming services, and supporting church programs with a willing heart.

Her passion for music extended beyond her home church. She cherished singing with the Volunteer Fellowship Choir alongside her sister-in-law, Bertha Jefferson, and later found delight performing with the Honorable Roslyn Tyler and the Voices of Southside Choir. In recognition of her unwavering dedication, wisdom, and deep love for gospel music, the Voices of Southside Choir honored Mozell as an Honorary Member in 2018, a distinction she treasured dearly.

Mozell’s enthusiasm for music was so profound that she thoughtfully selected several of her favorite hymns, consequently she wrote in advance, to be sung at her homegoing service, including “Lord, I Thank You,” “Thank You, Jesus,” and “God Has Always Stood by My Side.” These songs beautifully reflect the gratitude, faith, and joy that characterized her life.

A Time to Work and Serve

Mozell devoted many years of faithful service through her employment at the Emporia Garment Factory and with Greensville County Public Schools. It was during her tenure with the school system that her natural talents truly flourished. As a cafeteria cook and manager at Zion Elementary School, she refined her culinary skills and became well known for her mastery of Southern cooking. Her meals were prepared with love, tradition, and excellence, nourishing not only bodies but spirits as well.

Inspired by the legacy of her grandmother, Martha Jefferson, Mozell believed deeply in civic responsibility and the power of community engagement. She was a steadfast advocate for civil rights and voting rights in Sussex County, dedicating her time to working at the voting precincts in the Henry District alongside her beloved sister, Ethel, during elections. Her commitment to justice, equity, and participation in the democratic process left a lasting imprint on her family and community.

The fruits of her prayers, faith, and advocacy were evident in the lives of her children and extended family. Through her influence and encouragement, her sons answered the call to public service: The Honorable Rufus Tyler, Sr. was elected to serve on the Sussex County Board of Supervisors, and The Honorable Welton Tyler, Sr. was elected to serve on the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors. Her heart overflowed with gratitude when her daughter-in-law, The Honorable Roslyn Tyler, made history as the first Black woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates since slavery, representing the 75th House District of Southside Virginia—truly a testament to Mozell’s faith, perseverance, and enduring legacy.

A Time to Embrace and Fall in Love

On November 25, 1945, Virginia Mozell Jefferson was united in holy matrimony with Calvin Coolidge Tyler, Sr. Their union spanned an extraordinary 79 years, until his passing on November 7, 2024. From this loving marriage, seven children were born, each a reflection of the values Mozell held dear.

Mozell labored tirelessly as a devoted housewife, farmer, and cook, ensuring her family remained strong and united through every season of life, even during times of trial. She instilled in her children the principles of hard work, the importance of education, respect for others, and, above all, a steadfast commitment to placing God first in their lives.

She was admired for her impeccable sense of style, often adorned with distinctive hats, and equally celebrated for her exceptional cooking. Sundays were sacred in the Tyler household, as family gathered around her table to enjoy hearty meals, engage in thoughtful discussions on political and community matters, and share stories filled with laughter and love—moments reminiscent of the warmth portrayed in the film Soul Food. Mozell was known for her candid spirit and unfiltered wisdom. She may not have been rich in material wealth, but she was abundantly rich in service, insight, and strength of character. One thing was certain: if you asked Mozell for her opinion, you would receive an honest answer.

A Time to Mourn

Virginia Mozell Tyler was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Calvin Coolidge Tyler, Sr.; her nine beloved siblings, along with her sister and brothers-in-law; Giles Jefferson Jr. (Flossie), Cleophus Jefferson (Mable), Marcellus Jefferson (Cornelia), Jermiah Jefferson (Bertha, Ada, and Christine), Clarence Jefferson (Essie), Ethel Mason (Collin Mason, Herbert Taylor, Willis Wells), all of Jarratt, Virginia, Reverend Arenzo Jefferson (Dorothy and Thelma) of Richmond, Virginia, Shelton Jefferson (Barbara) of Long Island, New York, Delcina Jefferson of Charlotte, North Carolina, her adopted son, William Darkins of Petersburg, Virginia; two sons-in-law, James Nathan of Oxon Hill, Maryland and Jeffrey Wyche of Jarratt, Virginia; and her stepmother, Mrs. Sarah Lewis Jefferson of Jarratt, Virginia. Leaving only her sister-in-law, Barbara Jefferson, to cherish their shared memories.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories; her seven devoted children: Calvin Tyler, Jr. (Helen) of Jarratt, Virginia; Rita Nathan of Oxon Hill, Maryland; Linrod Tyler (Gloria) of Fort Washington, Maryland; Rochelle Tyler of Jarratt, Virginia; Rufus Tyler, Sr. (Roslyn) of Jarratt, Virginia; Nathelia Tyler-Wyche of Emporia, Virginia; and Welton Tyler, Sr. (Jackie) of Freeman, Virginia. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Additionally, she leaves to mourn her passing, devoted family friends, Mollie Bonner, and Simone Bright, along with her dedicated caregivers, Shakita Odom and Michelle Lucas, whose compassion and care brought comfort during her later years.

Virginia Mozell Tyler’s life was a living testament to faith, service, love, and courage. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

   All the pain and grief is over, every restless nights have pass,                

   I’m now in peace forever, I’m at home at last!   

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Tyler's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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