Bagby, Virgie Mae French Wall

The gates swung wide as Virgie Bagby entered into the presence of her Savior, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Virgie Mae French Wall Bagby, 88, of Pulaski, and formerly of Pearisburg, was born on March 20, 1925, in Bland County, to the late Walter C. and Sallie Bell Hager French. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry L. Bagby; three brothers, Isaac, William “Bill,” and Richard French; and three sisters, Beulah Baker, Veula Lester, and Helen Hilton. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dawn Bagby Coble and Gary Coble, of Pulaski; grandson, Jamie Ryan Bagby, of Leesburg; sister, Mary Vaughn, of Wolf Creek; sister- in-law, Ada Lee French, of Pearisburg; and many nieces, nephews and cherished friends. Virgie was a member of Grace Fellowship Baptist Church in Hiwassee and a former member of Ingram Village United Methodist Church in Pearisburg. She is best remembered for her warm heart, her cornbread and beans and her ever present sense of humor which brought laughter to all who knew her. She held various jobs including Celanese, Richmond Memorial Day Care and waitressing. However her lifelong work was caring for others, from babies to the elderly. Her favorite pastimes included walking, word-search puzzles, bingo, flower gardening and singing hymns as they brought her much comfort. While she fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, her tender heart, love of Jesus and quick wit never wavered. All who knew her loved her and were greatly blessed as she brought inspiration and smiles to many with her favorite saying, “love ya, love ya, bless ya, bless ya.” Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from the Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, Hiwassee, with the Rev. Doug Ballew officiating. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Cemetery. Visiting will be held on Friday evening, April 26, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial gifts be made to the Alzheimer’s Association , 2728 Colonial Ave., Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24015. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va., 540-980-2600.