Virginia Wilcox

Virginia Frances Harper Wilcox, 91, went to be with the Lord in her home in Nimitz, WV, after a time of illness. Her life was a beacon of hope and charity to all who knew her. She was born on August 5, 1917 at Harper, WV, to parents Frank and Jenny Davis Harper. Virginia was preceded in death by her dear husband of 67 years, John L. Wilcox; brothers: Dorsey, Ross, James and Walter Harper; sisters Gay Riffe, Fay Pettrey, Myrle Kennedy and infant Pearl. Those left to cherish her memory include sons Pat Wilcox, and wife Carol, of Richmond, VA; Curtis Wilcox, and wife Barbara, of Jumping Branch; daughters Doris Newey, and husband Ray of Roseburg, OR; Betty Day, and husband Stan of Nimitz; brothers John Harper and wife Patsy and Hobert Harper of Beckley and dear friend Jenny Lee Ellison of Nimitz. Others who brought joy to her life were her 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. During her life, her hobbies have included ceramics, painting, quilting, canning and squirrel hunting. With a steadfast faith, she was a faithful member of Bluestone Baptist Church for 59 years where she sang in the choir and directed Vacation Bible School for twelve years. Other activities included supportive and leadership roles in 4-H clubs, Civil Air Patrol, the Republican Executive Committee, and the Ladies Home Extension Club. She was instrumental in getting U.S. Mail service along Sand Knob Road in Nimitz. Virginia was known for her gracious hospitality, thoughtfulness, encouragement and her ability to make people laugh as she related her real-life stories. Her kitchen, home, yard and heart were always open for young people, relatives, friends, and strangers. She was a prayer warrior for her children and grandchildren, especially. Her wisdom humor and courage have continued to amaze and inspire her family and friends since becoming bedfast in January 2008. Her life reflected the unique, virtuous woman as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the Bluestone Baptist Church in Jumping Branch with Pastor Bill Fox officiating. Burial will follow in the Lilly-Crews Cemetery at Nimitz. Friends and family may call from 4-8 P.M. Monday, October 13, 2008 at the Bluestone Baptist Church. Dennis Riffe, Donald Riffe, Darrel Pettry, Alan Harper, Steve Stack, Jimmy Stack and Marvin Harper will serve as pallbearers. Bill Stack, Phillip Maddy, Arlie Ellison, Benny Ellison and Mark Ellison will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorial gifts may be made to the Beckley Area Foundation â?? John L. and Virginia Wilcox Fund, at United Bank Building, 129 Main St. Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801.
Viewing Information: 4-8 P.M. Monday,October 13, 2008 at the Bluestone Baptist Church
Funeral Information: 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the Bluestone Baptist Church at Jumping Branch, WV