Virginia Morris Smith
January 22, 1926 ~ March 6, 2010
Virginia Morris Smith, 84, died on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from Fatty Emboli Syndrome, a rare complication of a routine hip replacement surgery that causes massive brain trauma. Virginia was born January 22, 1926 in Lyons, Colorado and grew up in the Denver area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Denver University and became a first grade teacher. Married to Wayne Smith in 1949, they moved to Northern Virginia in 1950 where they made their home with their five children. In the early 1980's, Virginia embarked upon a 26-year career as a substitute in the Fairfax County schools until retiring at age 82. After retirement, she tutored children at Stanton Elementary School in the Anacostia neighborhood of the District of Columbia. Throughout her life, Virginia was involved as a volunteer with many organizations and schools in the community. She was a lifelong and dedicated member of the Girl Scouts of America. In 1996, the Rotary Club of McLean honored her with the Senior Citizen Award for Club Institutional Service in recognition of her work with scouting. Virginia also volunteered for several decades at the Falls Church/McLean Childrens Center where her animated and enthusiastic reading was enjoyed by generations of children. On Election Day, Virginia could always be found at the McLean High School polling station where she volunteered for over 40 years as an ardent Democrat. Virginia was also a member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, honoring her husbands WWII service. Virginia'a inquisitive and adventurous spirit took her traveling around the world. One year she helped chaperone a group of sixth graders traveling on an exchange program to Russia. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Wayne A. Smith. Survivors include Wendy Carroll, Diana Smith, Melanie Smith, Shelley Shankle and Kent Smith; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; brothers Roger Morris, Howard Morris and Donn Morris and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Virginia's honor to benefit the Falls Church-McLean Childrens Center, (www.fcmlcc.org). Contributions to honor her Girl Scout membership can also be made in her name to SHARE (www.shareof mclean.org). The family also suggests contributions in her name to S.O.M.E. (www.some.org).
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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I go back a long way with Ginny. My Husband and little dauthter, Bonnie actually made ourselves a part of their simple wedding. She has been such a wonderful part of our family reunions and get togethers. I will miss her. Betty
We will miss Virginia greatly. Girl Scouts and Girl Scout leaders like me deeply appreciate everything she has done for girls all over the Washington, DC area. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful spirit with us! Suzanne Le Menestrel, Troop 171
Only 1000 characters really? My dear Aunt Ginny was a landmark person in my life…and had such a canny skill for investing in others and really making them feel cared about. I know she did that for me. I adored her in so many ways. I still remember her buying me a blank scrapbook, and inspiring me to preserve my “memorbilia” in it…which she helped me do. I still have that book. In her handwriting is the years of all my saved school pictures and a signed Cripple Creek railroad pamphlet when she rode the train with us when I was 11 years old. 🙂 I really admired my Aunt’s ability to speak her mind even if she knew others wouldn’t agree. She was always curious to know everything about everyone she cared to know about, and never hesitated to ask questions. Aunt Ginny was an encourager, and always made me want to do better. For a few years when I was younger we were pen pals, as she believed in hand written notes. It is for this reason that I always felt compelled to write her a “real note” when I switched to typed Christmas letters. I never met anyone who didn’t love her…her eyes were filled with mischief and kindness all at the same time. She has built an amazing legacy in her children, grandchildren…and in me. Rest in Peace Aunt Ginny…a dear dear soul, whom I will truly miss.
I was Mr. Smith’s secretary in the 70’s and met Virginia through Wayne. Virginia was an incredible women and always welcomed me as her “adopted” daughter. She also treated my children and grandchildren as her own. We shared many meals over the years and I considered her my VA Mom. Our friendship and sharing will always be my fondest memory. I will miss her in my life. My thoughts and prayers to the Family. Love, Cindy
So many memories of times together, hand written letters, Sunday afternoon phone calls. I feel so honored that, with such a large family, Virginia found so much time & love for me – her cousin’s daughter! She has been an inspiration to me in my teaching career and a politial comrad to share ideas with – usually agreeing on the directions in which we thought our country should move. I will always love and remember her.
How I miss her! Virginia was part of my family’s life. Living 2 houses away, she was far more than a neighbor. Virginia taught our 2 children in elementary school as a frequent substitute teacher. I was always welcome in her home and she in mine. I asked her for help, she asked me. We could talk about anything. Yes, we were neighbors in the old-fashioned sense, in the real sense, but Virginia was also a kindred spirit. We shared a passion for gardening, exchanging plants and vegetables, experiencing the excitement of the latest blooms, analyzing insect problems, and just enjoying our love and appreciation of natures miracles in our backyards. As the Democratic Captain for Kirby, our Precinct, Virginia was my first and most stalwart volunteer, when she wasnt working at the polls as an election official. To Virginia, being a Democrat was not limited to Election Day. She worked with me at Back-to-School Nights handing out campaign lit, made phone calls, posted signs in her yard, and helped me recruit other volunteers. She was always up on the latest misdeeds of the other party and zealously supported the values of the Democratic Party. We exercised in the neighborhood. Virginia walked the high school track; I run laps on the sidewalks. We noticed and shared the news of events around us: new neighbors, houses for sale, a fallen tree, a wonderful garden, a new baby. We could talk for hours! This was not gossip. Virginia cared about others and was an stimulating and engaged member of the community. Age was irrelevant to Virginia. She was as vital and young as everyone around her. Technology did not leave her behind. E-mail and computers were not a mystery to her. She did her gardening and chores while listening to audio books. She devoured the Washington Post and could expound on any current event. Virginia had a deep appreciation of learning and did not fear change. Virginia was a Very Important Person.
Our love and thoughts to Shelley and the family. We know how much your mother meant to you.
We are so sorry about our dear Aunt and Sister-in-law Ginny. All are thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Wendy,Diane,Melanie,Shelley and Kent. Love Kay Smith and Family.
My family was privileged to live next door to Wayne and Virginia Smith for seven years and our three children adored her. They loved playing in her backyard, helping her garden, and most of all being treated by Virginia as individuals with thoughts and ideas that she would eagerly listen to. She modeled civil discourse with them and they never forgot her lessons in making conversations and still visited her over the holidays. Virginia had so many special qualities that it is hard to fathom how to capture her essence. She excelled in the small but critical gestures – she still sent birthday cards to our children – now ages 18, 21, and 23 – and they looked forward to her card as it was a harbinger of their birthday. She was in many ways a second grandmother to them – she attended holiday parties, religious ceremonies, and family dinners. She was a die hard democrat (as I and my parents are) and my husband was a republican and they loved to debate local and national politics. Election time usually meant one of them would plant signs in the other’s yard for the opposition — all done in good fun. Virginia loved a good prank. Dale and I cannot imagine life on Cecile Street without Virginia. She is a model for a life well lived and we hope we can follow in her footsteps. We are saddened for all of Virginia’s family (immediate and extended) and take comfort in the fact that she would want us to celebrate her life.
I got to know Virginia in 1998 when I flew from my home in California to VA, to attend Aunt Lu’s funeral. Virginia invited me to stay with her. She was such a dear, sweet lady. I will miss the Tues morning breakfasts we shared whenever I went back to visit Uncle Mac. My heart goes out to her family. May you rest in peace, sweet Virginia.
I enjoyed knowing your mother through Falls Church-McLean School and our lunches with Phoebe Meyer and Joan Ellis before Christmas. I am so sorry for your lose.
It was with great sadness that I received the news of Virginia’s death. She was a wonderful substitute for us here at Schrevewood. Virginia came to us for several years and was a favorite substitute in our art department and supported those teachers in many ways- over time they became great friends. Your mother and grandmother was a pleasure to work with. Her pleasant smile and personality were a gift to us, and her energy and spirit gave hope to many of us over 60 folk. Recently, we began to remark that we had not seen her for a while and wondered where she was. I was saddened to hear of her untimely death, Our prayers and deepest condolences are with you at this time.
Sorry Dianna/God Bless
She was such a nice neighborhood mom – everyone liked her. I remember having a garage sale in my 20’s at my parent’s house on Warner Ave, and she came and told me I should keep the cloth diapers I was selling because they made the best dusters. I’ve used them for dusting for 25 years and still think of her smiling and telling me that advice.
Mom Virginia– I am going to miss your Nose for News, your birthday cards, your incredible memory for details of personal stories, and perhaps most of all your gardening tips and talks. Thank you for all your love for the past 30 odd years… I am very sad.
Oh, Virginia ~ I’m going to miss you so! Especially our good conversations that we were never ready to end even after an hour or so – just like your phone calls with Temple. Our calls were more frequent in these later years and we had so much to share about our lives, politics, families. Especially our families – our pride, our joys and even the sorrows along the way. You were not only my first cousin but truly my faithful friend. There is so much to reminisce about. Remember our reunion in Durango for Howard’s birthday? You and I spent four nights at a friend’s home and we talked and giggled all night long! We both knew we had the best time of anyone and wouldn’t have traded it for anything! And the time we shared with Dalton and Bradford when Norton and Debbie brought us down for a visit while they were living in New Jersey. To this day Brad calls you Aunt Virginia and has such fond memories. I could go on and on. Sweet memories! But most of all … Remember who loves you! Mary Ruth
VIRGINIA SMITH: A LIFE WELL LIVED It is with sad heart that we articulate our association with our friend and loved one, Virginia Smith. She was a special person who lived life to the fullest with a deep and abiding concern for the less fortunate. We knew her through her association as a substitute teacher in the Fairfax County Public School system. Beyond her professional responsibilities as a teacher she was, most of all, a friend. Virginia and Jean shared the same birth date and this formed a bond which was to last more than 20 years. They enjoyed lunch and movies on their common birth date and shared many experiences. Virginia was an enthusiastic gardener, a passion shared with Jean, and they exchanged many notes regarding the time for planting, the selection of seeds, and the proper sequence for planting. Last Spring we all went to the Southern States store in Manassas to purchase the necessary seeds. The outing was concluded with lunch at a local restaurant. Over the years Virginia was remarkable for her dedication to the learning of children and this was exemplified not only by her substitute teaching, but also by her volunteer work for the disadvantaged children. This is a testimony to her love both for children and the process of learning. We did not know her husband; the love of her life. However, his presence was never far from Virginias life and remembrances. She was, in all circumstances, a most remarkable woman and we miss her dearly. On this occasion we remember her generosity, kindness, and regard for those who were eager to learn. Her life was dedicated to learning and her love was the children. She was especially notable for her many years of teaching in McLean, Virginia. The generations of students who she influenced are her legacy. Jean and Bob Speegle
Dear Wendy, Diana, Melanie, Shelley, and Kent, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Virginia’s death; I have always said that she is what I want to be when I grow up! I love her adventurous spirit, inquisitiveness, and cheerful, upbeat outlook. She often stopped by the house to look in on me and my five children and her insights and encouragement were always welcomed. I will miss her and it will be a long time before I’ll be able to accept that she is gone. If there is anything my husband and I can do to help, please call us. My heartfelt condolences, Molly de Marcellus
I am so sorry to hear of Virginia’s passing. She brightened up the halls of Kent Gardens and enriched the lives of the children whenever she was here. She was such a committed volunteer and I enjoyed seeing her at the polls and around town in McLean. I’ll miss her smile and exuberance. Mary (IA at Kent Gardens)
It was very sad to hear about your Mom. Cecile Street will never be the same, I’m glad I saw her right before the holidays. We never missed a year of exchanging Christmas cards and catching up on the families. She will be missed. Barb Monahan & The Monahan Family
Your mother was a lovely, generous woman and a good neighbor to my parents for so many years. So sorry for your sudden loss.
We are so very sad to hear of Virginia’s sudden passing. She was such a loyal friend to our family for over 60 years. Mom (Gloria Ott) just loved her and she was a bridesmaid at Mom and Dad’s wedding. Virginia was truly interested in people and was a friendly, smart and logical person that was always so fun to talk to! We all will miss her. We can hear her voice in our hearts and minds! We send our love to your family at this sad time. Love, All of the Ott family
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. God bless you all.
My husband and I moved in behind Virginia’s house just over 5 years ago. Of course she was the first neighbor we met. She came and introduced herself within days of our arrival. I have always been amazed at how she could remember when each of my children were born, the milestones as they grew, and how much they enjoyed seeing Virginia. One day, my five-year old was at the grocery store with his babysitter. I asked how his day was when I got home and he responded, “Great, we saw Virginia at the grocery store!” Virginia knew every neighbor by name, their children, their jobs–plus she could tell you the oldest trees in the area and appreciated each of them on her way to her regular walk around the McLean High track. I feel like I know each of her children and grandchildren as well. She took such pride in sharing news of each of you! And she always mentioned, too, how well her family loved and cared for her. (I do think she could never get her arms around our staunch Republican household and our huge candidate yard signs. But all in good jest.) Too few Virginia Smith’s exist in American neighborhoods today. The Lampkins will miss her!
Virginia was a delightful person and a caring teacher. She often served as a substitute teacher at Kent Gardens School in grades K through 6. I enjoyed having lunch with her in the staff lounge where Virginia would smile and share news of the day, each classroom and sub job was more exciting than the last. Virginia had a holistic view of children. She often stopped by the music room and gymnasium to see what new activities the children had learned–she especially enjoyed our international folk dance units! Kent Gardens will miss Virginia deeply, but her warm heart, uplifting spirit, and educational contributions will be remembered always.
I will forever have fond memories of “Madame Smith” greeting me with a “Bonjour” in the hallways of Kent Gardens. She loved sharing stories of her life, family, and travels, and I loved hearing them. She was a wonderful, caring woman. I will be just one of many who will miss her.
I was very saddened to hear of Virginia’s passing! She subbed for me at Chesterbrook, in 2nd grade, and loved being with the children! I also loved listening to her share her stories of family, friends and travel! She truly loved life and it is wonderful that she could actively enjoy it till the end.
Virginia and Wayne Smith welcomed us into the neighborhood with homegrown squash and tomatoes and pleasant conversation. We are grateful to have known them. Virginia’s natural interest in everything from nature and politics to engine repairs and roof trusses has been a delight to my husband and me. I know David felt her rooting him on through some of his more difficult projects, and her spirit will continue to uplift us. May God bless Virginia and her family. We miss you, Virginia.
Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go to Virginia’s family and friends. As a member of our “Bill Rolan Memorial Chapter,Americaan Ex-Prisoners of War” National Organization, Virginia faithfully supported and helped members of our organization for many years. She will be sorely missed by all.
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Mrs. Smith. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We shared laughs and good times. She always had interesting stories and she loved hearing about our two children. We will miss her.
I worked with Mr. Kent Smith from the early 1980s and met Mrs. Smith very early in the 1980s. She was beautiful, charming – dignified and warm. She dressed like a queen and handled herself and others with respect and warmth. The Smith family should celeberate her life and remember her great personality. Mahmood (Hot Pepper Man)
We met when we moved to McLean in 1980,we became very good friends and we’ve always kept in touch.A very unique woman,a good and generous friend and a wonderful person. Will miss her…..
For many years Virginia and I worked together in Girl Scouts. I enjoyed her enthusiasm and love for all who touched her life. She will be missed by so many.
My sincere sympanthy goes all to the entire Smith family for the loss of there beloved Mother, my Aunt Ginny. She is now resting comfortably in enternal life with her late husband, my Uncle Wayne.
What can I say about my Aunt Ginny? How can I capture her essence in a few words? Impossible, for she was one of the most interesting and multi-faceted people I’ve ever known. She was a woman with strong opinions, and that’s something I greatly admired in her. I also admired her inquisitive and adventurous spirit and the ease with which she related to other people. She could have been a motivational speaker on the topic “how to really get to know just about anybody in less than five minutes.” I have many fond memories of her over the span of my lifetime — too many memories to recount — from my childhood to last year at her granddaughter Brit’s wedding. Some of my best memories of her are from our weeklong stay at her place several years ago. I will always picture her showing us her yard and prize garden, the memorable expedition we made with her to Mount Vernon and our intense and competitive (and hugely fun) Boggle games. I will miss my Aunt Ginny more than I can express, and my heart goes out to her entire family at this difficult time.
To the family of Virginia Smith, My prayers are with you and your family. I was so sorry to hear about her death. She was a spunky woman with a lot of youth in her. She came to my school Stanton Elementary every Thursday to devote her time with my second grade class. I greatly appreciate her time and effort. She will truly be miss by all. Miss Dember.Stanton’s second grade teacher
Thank you for allowing me to be a prt of your family for a short while. I loved and cared for you and your husband Wayne and will miss you dearly. My prayers go out to your kids. Love Harvey