Virginia graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton. She married William Keith Thomas on January 4, 1962. One son and one daughter blessed this union.
Virginia loved being around people and worked various jobs in the service industry, but her priority was her family and her children. She worked for the Columbia Public School district, from which she retired in 2004. She would give you her opinion without flinching or apology, but she never dismissed you for your choice and always welcomed you home if it didn’t work out. She may slide in a little ‘I told you so’ into the conversation, but always without judgement. Her main interests were centered around her home and family and each child and grandchild were, to her, a precious and cherished gift. She kept abreast of the times and maintained a deep interest in the activities of her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Janice Smith. Her husband passed away in 1979.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Thomas of Cairo; daughter, Yolanda (Travis) Burnett of Columbia; and grandchildren: Sheldon and Justin Thomas, both of Moberly; sisters: Ruby Rinard of Belton and Linda (Merrill) Huey of Clinton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for the public will be held from 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private family services will follow with burial at Vansant Rd. Cemetery, previously the Clinton Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Clinton at 3:00 pm.
Donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to: the Cancer Research Center, 1310 Old 63 S #5, Columbia, MO 65201 or to Food Distribution Center – Sturgeon Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, 101 E Smith, Sturgeon, MO 65284.
