in Virginia what happens if someone dies before distribution of money from a will

If the beneficiary dies after the testator (i.e. the maker of the Will), but before the Will proceeds are distributed, then the the proceeds are paid to the beneficiary's estate. If the benefciary dies before the testator, then typically the terms of the Will determine what happens to the proceeds. It can "lapse" which means that the gift fails and is then distributed as provided for in the "residuary clause" of the Will (i.e. the section that reads, "All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate goes to X"). However under the theory that the deceased would want the beneficiary's family to inherit, the majority of states have enacted "anti-lapse" statutes. These laws save the gift as if it had been made to the deceased beneficiary's descendants (i.e. the children of the deceased). However, a testator can prevent such a law from taking effect by providing that the gift only go to the named beneficiary (or their family) only if that beneficiary survives the testator. In other words, they must survive to inherit. Bottom line, without being able to review the language in the Will its hard to give a final answer. What you should do now is to consult directly with a probate attorney as to all of this.