Virginia Mae Fairchild, 90, of Largo, Florida, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Oak Manor Senior Living Community.
Virginia was born in February 1923, in Watts, Oklahoma to John and Lula Bentley. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Owen Jones Fairchild (2002), her brother, Harold Lee "Jack" Bentley (1998), and her granddaughter, Kenyette Hatcher Bushey (2009).
Virginia grew up in Rogers, Arkansas, and became a Christian when she was a teenager. In 1939, at a Baptist Church service, she met her husband, Owen. They were married on January 7, 1943, in Scott City, Kansas. Their daughter, Carol Jean, was born there. Two years later, they moved to Elkhart, Kansas, where their son, Billy Eugene, was born.
Virginia and Owen moved to Largo, Florida in 1955. For 23 years, they owned and operated Fairchild Ironworks, a welding business in Clearwater, Florida. Later, Virginia worked for the Pinellas County School System in food service until 1995, when she retired.
A skilled seamstress, Virginia enjoyed sewing clothing for her family and made hundreds of beautiful quilts in her lifetime. She also took up crocheting in later years. Her greatest loves were her family and her Savior. She adored telling and listening to stories, especially about family. With a warm smile and a generous heart, Virginia could always be found serving and helping others.
Virginia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Kenneth Hatcher, and son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Mary Fairchild. Her grandchildren and their spouses are Kenyette (deceased) and Mike Bushey and Kenny and Kim Hatcher. Her great-grandchildren, ranging in age from 21 to 4, are Kayla, Gatlin, McKinnon, Kayslee, and Leilani. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Davisson, niece, Shalah Dobson, sister-in-law, Sally Bentley, nephews Greg and Doug Bentley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Not only was Virginia kind and loving, she was dearly loved as a wife, mother, mom-in-law, grandma, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all!
A celebration of Virginia Fairchild's life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2013. The family will receive friends at 10 AM. Services begin at 11 AM at Clearwater First Assembly of God, 1739 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. Interment will follow at Clearwater Municipal Cemetery.
Please sign the guestbook below and share a memory.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the family and friends of Virginia. We knew her as sweet and loving lady. We are still enjoying her beautiful quilts in our home. We will fondly remember her. John and Betty Prida
It’s hard to find the words to say when someone you’ve known all your life is gone. Mom taught me so many things, but the most important was how to know Jesus and to depend on him for everything. Mom is enjoying her reward for a life well-lived, and for that I’m grateful now … it brings more comfort than anything. You will always be in our hearts, just not in sight.
We love you and will miss you greatly, Mom.
Billy & Mary Fairchild
So sorry to hear about Aunt Virginia, Our prayers and thoughts go out to ya all. May she Rest in Peace. Love Verla an Tom
Auntie will always be in my heart. She was like a second mother to me. She cut out paper dolls with me, and took me on a month long vacation when I was 10 years old. As I have reflected upon the essence of her life, what keeps coming to my mind is that she lived by the strength of her convictions. Even when others thought she was old fashioned or out of date, she remained firm for what she believed was right. There is a song that says, “May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe.” Her well-lived life does precisely that. Her life left no doubt that she believed and trusted in Jesus. That is exactly what she would have wanted others to remember, and to follow. I will always love you, Auntie!
So sorry to here about Aunt Virginia, are prayer and thoughts go out to the family. May she rest in peace. Love Max & Delma
Owen and Virginia were a great couple! It is sad to hear that she has left this life, but bshe is celebrating with her heavenly father and family that went before her. Many great memories of when they would prepare iron works or repair items that needed welding. I would stop by their shop on the way home from Belleair Elemeentary and say hello at times. Virginia always helped prepare meals and serve other familes during beravement and now she will reap her rewards in heaven. May God richly bless her family as they remember her legacy.
So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Bill,Shayla and the family….what precious memories I have of Mr. Owen and Ms. Virginia. They were the epitome of meekness, gentleness and graciousness in Christ. How sweet and kind they always were to me before or after a service at Seminole. I know your hearts are heavy during this “temporary” separation, it is never easy to say farewell until we meet again…but meet again you will. The older I get the more I realize the precious “treasures” that are being stored up for me and await my greeting on the other side where we will be safely home forever. My love and prayers to all of you. Charles
It is always hard to lose a loved one, even though we know she is in a better place. But knowing that does make it easier. With Aunt Virginia’s passing, we have lost our last Aunt. No uncles are left. Passing from one era to another. Brings into focus our mortality I guess. Carol and Billy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family’s. Love you.
My mom is waiting for your arrival. She was one of your best Stanley Party ladies. I still have several of her prizes for having a great party.
Prayers and thoughts to you Carol and your family. Over the years from working with you, I had the pleasure of knowing such the gracious lady you introduced as your Mom. Till we meet again is all we are separated for…
Sending up prayers for God’s perfect peace upon all of the family.
Great Grandma will be truely missed. We were so glad to see her before she passed. Great grandma and i always had good times, which i will keep with me forever.
We love you and miss you old woman lol(between us)