Hardwick, Virginia Watkins

Virginia Dorothea (Dot) Watkins Hardwick, 92, passed away on January 23, 2014, at Heritage Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Blacksburg, Va. after a brief illness. She was born on June 10, 1921 in Craig Healing Springs, Va., a daughter of the late John Russell and Nina Gertrude Givens Watkins. 

Dot was a longtime resident of Blacksburg, having moved there in 1970 from Narrows, Va. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Jacob Shannon Hardwick.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Jacob Shannon, Jr.”Jay” and Celia Hardwick of Blacksburg; a grandson and “granddaughter”, Cris and Melissa Hardwick of Fredericksburg; two special great-grandsons, Jacob Dylan and Aiden Thomas Hardwick of Fredericksburg, who affectionately called her “Gramma Dot”; one sister, Laura Page Ratliff of Craig Springs; a sister-in-law Eva Hardwick Spencer of Cary, N.C.; and numerous nieces, nephews and caring friends. Dot was extremely fortunate to be blessed with a loving church family at Blacksburg Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and a devoted minister, Gary McCoy. She also leaves to cherish her memory, special neighbors Guy and Mary Rhodes and their daughters Megan and Haley.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff at Heritage Hall for the wonderful love and care given to Dot during her time there.

In her early years, Dot was a model, which led to her love of fashion and theatre arts. She was a world traveler with her dear friend, Phyllis Blevins, who together visited over 40 countries in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East. Their last two trips to Malta were special favorites. They also visited Alaska and several states in the western United States.

Dot was an avid Virginia Tech fan and sports enthusiast and for many years she and husband Shannon never missed a VT football or basketball game. Her passion, however, was golf. She was quite an accomplished player having been a ladies’ club champion and course record holder at Giles Country Club in Pearisburg. Her greatest pride was the Virginia Tech Golf Team, coached by her son. She especially enjoyed following those former VT players currently on the PGA Tour.

Dot was a longtime member of Blacksburg Christian Church (DOC), having joined there in 1970. Before her illness, she served as a greeter every Sunday for many years. Prior to BCC, she was a longtime member of Narrows Christian Church (DOC) where she taught Sunday School and was active in many aspects of church service.

Dot was an avid swimmer and member of the swim club at Virginia Tech’s War Memorial pool for 27 years. The daily visits by her church and swim families were a tremendous source of comfort for her during her final months.

Dot was also blessed with a caring group of family and friends from South Carolina, the Johns Creek Hunt Club, which includes her nephew, Tommy Hardwick. These fine men were always attentive to Dot and are caretakers of the Hardwick Hunting Lodge in Craig County. She loved them all and considered them family.

A celebration of Dot’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2014, at Blacksburg Christian Church, 240 Watson Avenue, Blacksburg, VA, with the Reverend Gary McCoy officiating. There will be no interment as Dot donated her body to science. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be considered to Blacksburg Christian Church Building Fund, 240 Watson Avenue, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

The family is being served by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.