PAULINE (SHORTRIDGE) WILSON, 87, of Vansant, Virginia passed away on Monday, August 17, following a brief illness at the Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, Kentucky. Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late Bertha and Willie Shortridge. At Harman Independent Freewill Baptist, she was one of the longest-standing, faithful members, where she sang with the congregation for many decades. She was a former employee of the Buchanan County School System serving in the cafeteria at Vansant Elementary School for 29 years.
She was recognized as the #1 fan of the CAM, supporting local theater. Her macaroni salad and pinwheel candy were staples of any family gathering.
Her home was often filled with the sound of gospel music playing on her television. Pauline loved spending time with her family and babysat all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren until her recent health struggles.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Guy Wilson, her sisters, Kester Ratliff, Gladys Street, Hassie Street, and Lillian Stiltner, and brothers Ferrell, Clarence, C.W., Verlin, Billy, Guy, and Clyde Shortridge.
She is survived by her two children, Eddie (Shirley) Wilson and Angie (Mike) Cantrell, five grandchildren: Melody (Seth) O’Quinn, Brooke (Eric) Belcher, Cody (Emily) Cantrell, Isaac (Peyton) Cantrell, and Connor Cantrell, and four great-grandchildren: Will O’Quinn, Jake Belcher, Kaleb Belcher, and Ellie Cantrell.
She is also survived by three sisters: Wilma Vandyke, Vivian Gross, and Wanda Deel and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services for Pauline Wilson were conducted on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Rodney Stiltner & Gene Miller officiating. Burial followed in Mountain Valley Cemetery, Big Rock, Virginia.
Active Pallbearers were Seth O’Quinn, Eric Belcher, Cody Cantrell, Isaac Cantrell, Connor Cantrell, Will O’Quinn, Jake Belcher, and Kaleb Belcher.
Honorary Pallbearers were deacons of the Harman Freewill Baptist Church.
Special thanks to Dr. Jessica Rasnick and the staff of Thompson Family Health Center, of Vansant, and Dr. McDonald and staff of the 9th floor ICU of Pikeville Medical Center. Also special thanks to Buchanan General Hospital ER staff and Rescue 33.
Grundy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of PAULINE (SHORTRIDGE) WILSON.
