Veronica Grace Virtue, 21, of Statesville, NC, passed away unexpectedly September 3, 2026 in Watauga County as the result of an automobile accident.

Veronica was born in Statesville, NC on August 9, 2005 to the late Robert "Bob" Virtue and Shanna Nelson McGinnis, who survives.

She was homeschooled until the fourth grade when she began attending Iredell-Statesville Schools, and graduated from West Iredell High School in 2023. She had also worked as a shift manager at Walgreens (Davie Avenue) prior to her death.

Veronica enjoyed spending time with family and friends, was an avid reader, embodied a unique sense of style, enjoyed new adventures, and all things Hello Kitty and angels. Veronica also loved to travel, having visited the Dominican Republic, Los Angeles, and her favorite trip which was to Japan. She was looking forward to experiencing a trip to South Korea later this month. She was also ecstatic to attend her dream concert, My Chemical Romance, shortly before her death. Veronica was a shining light to all that knew her, believed in equality for all, and stood on her beliefs no matter what. She was an amazing soul, with a radiant personality, and a big heart for those she loved, and her memory will forever shine through the love that she gave to others.

In addition to her mother, Shanna (Tom Neal), those left to cherish her memory include her stepfather, Scott McGinnis; brothers, Campbell Virtue, Jake Virtue (Kendra), and Corbin McGinnis; maternal grandparents, James and Debra Nelson; aunt, Vicky Nelson McGinnis (Dale); uncle, Joseph Nelson; nephews Bobby, Bohannon, and Magnus Virtue; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins of the Virtue Family. Also surviving are her boyfriend, Umut Pekgöz and his family; and best friends that were like sisters, Kira Hoke and Dakota Williams and their families, as well as many other close friends and family that will cherish her memory. She also leaves behind her faithful companion, Luka, and her fur-siblings Ozzy, Cooper, Cora Mae, and Cyrus.

In addition to her father, Bob Virtue, Veronica was also preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Herbert and Florence Virtue.

A viewing and gathering of family and friends will be held at Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville, NC, on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Veronica's memory may be made to Iredell County Animal Services, where she showed her tremendous love for animals by volunteering as a teenager.

The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this most tragic and difficult time.

Veronica, you are the brightest star, and you will eternally be loved and missed. May you rest peacefully, Little Girl. 

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Virtue family.