Virginia Marybelle Woods, 96, of Memphis died Saturday morning, October 16, 2021 at her home.
She was born the daughter of Glen Allen and Helen Modena (Kutzner) Chambers on February 6, 1925 in Scotland County.
Virginia married Emmett Porter Heckethorn, who preceded her in death on October 21, 1994. They published the Gorin Argus newspaper for many years.
Virginia married Clarence Ivan Woods on April 6, 1997 in Memphis. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2020.
Virginia was a member of the Cedar Grove Club for 20+ years and loved planting flowers, feeding birds, squirrels, and the neighborhood stray cats. She was adept at word puzzles and enjoyed going to the nutrition site and visiting with everyone.
She was an avid reader who never read a book in which she didn’t find something to enjoy about it. Virginia loved music and had three songs she sang every day: The Old Rugged Cross, One Day At A Time and You Are My Sunshine.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; sons, Omar Edward Heckethorn Sr. and Wesley Ray Heckethorn; and a sister, Marjorie Anita Hatfield.
She is survived by her sisters: Verlee Dauma of Memphis and Glenna Tolliver of St. Peters, MO; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Heckethorn of Mempis; stepchildren: Bonnie Schultz and Gaylene Woods-White, both of Kirksville, James Woods of Arbela, Randy Woods and wife Karen Shippen, Charles Woods and Janette Graham, and Kevin and wife Debbie Woods – all of Memphis, and Hollis and wife Connie Woods of Keokuk; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
5 comments
Virgie was part of my life from the day I was born. She once told me she was so excited to put my birth announcement in the Argus, she could hardly type! We were neighbors in Gorin where I spent hours at their house. Chance brought us to be neighbors again when they moved just across the yard from me. I will miss her and her hugs. Thank you, Phyllis for being so devoted to her.
I so enjoyed my visits with Virginia and Ivan when in Memphis. Virginia and I enjoyed our phone updates after Ivan’s passing. A Special Hug for you, Phyllis for making Virginia’s life so much better during her illness.
Virginia and Porter were wonderful hometown people publishing the news in the Gorin Argus, just like a close friend to all. They printed all the sports news which we would write up for the next week’s paper and supported the Gorin school and every fundraiser. Virginia, you were a generous and loving friend to Gorin.
I have many fond memories of working with Porter & Virginia at the Argus office while I attended GHS, we remained dear friends throughout the years! She was a fine lady & will be missed!
My sister and best friend growing up. Going to miss her so much. Thanks Phyllis for being there for her
Love you Ginnie.
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