Kinzey, Virginia Smith
Virginia S. Kinzey, 91, lately of Blacksburg, Va., died March 12, 2007 at Montgomery County Regional Hospital after a brief illness.
Virginia and her twin sister were born February 28, 1916 in Wilmington, Del., daughters of Anna Bett and Arthur Webster Smith. They grew up in Danville, Va., and studied piano at Averett College. At their church they directed a girl’s choir. On November 24, 1944, Virginia married Bertram Y. Kinzey, Jr., a graduate in architecture from VPI. Her sister married one of his colleagues.
After World War II, Virginia and Bert lived in Richmond for a couple of years, where son, Bert III, was born. In 1947, Bert was asked to come to VPI to teach in the Department of Architectural Engineering. During that 12? years, son, Douglas, was born. Then, in 1959, Bert went to teach at the University of Florida, where the family home was established until the move to Blacksburg in June 2006.
Virginia was a devoted wife and mother and served her churches as a Sunday School teacher and choir member. She was a member of the University Woman’s Club. After the boys were off to college, she became an active member of the Shands Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary and was given a life membership for the many years of service. Virginia enjoyed sewing and needlepoint. Creations ranged from simple items to a full suit of clothes. Original needlepoint creations adorn family walls.
A year ago, Virginia had a couple of operations. After recovery that required continuing care, she and Bert moved to Blacksburg, Va. in June to be near Bert III and family.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Bertram Y. Kinzey, Jr.; sons, Bertram Y. Kinzey III and Douglas W. Kinzey; two grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
Services will be held at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Avenue, Richmond, on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity and note it as in memory of Virginia.