Virginia Cate Ernsberger

Arrangements under the direction of ForeVirginia Cate Ernsberger, 99, of Charlotte, passed away on Friday January 3, 2014 surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born October 27, 1914 in Hazen, AR, the daughter of Virginia Amelia Bassett Replogle. She was married for 29 years to Earl R. Ernsberger Jr. until his death in 1965. Virginia is survived by six sons: Earl Robert III, George, Daniel, Mark, Duke and Douglas. She was also a loving grandmother to 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Virginia graduated from The University of Arkansas in 1934 at the age of 19 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She married Earl Robert Ernsberger Jr in 1936 and they moved to Charlotte, NC in 1950 where she worked breifly as a newspaper columinst. By 1953 Virginia and husband Earl had opened the What Not Grill on South Blvd which proved to be very successful and is now known as The Beef and Bottle.After the death of her husband in 1965 Virginia with her 6 sons grown and out of the house with lives of their own she plioted the first Head Start Program for Kinard Elementary School - Clover, SC. by day and worked at Ivey’s Department Store at South Park by night. After retiring at the age of 76 she turned her interest back to her first love, writing. With the help of her sons she soon learned how to use a computer and she began to write Children’s stories, then humor books and finally stage plays. By the time she was 86 she had a successful career as a playwright with 5 of her plays premiering at Barter Theatre, the famous State Theatre of Virginia.In addition to writing, Virginia was an avid golfer, a lover of wine and cheese and an internet scrabble whiz. She is remembered for her dry wit humor, spit fire attitude and extreme love for her 6 boys and their wonderful families. Virginia was the true matriarch of the large Ernsberger family and her creative and loving spirit will be missed by all. Virginia had a strong faith in her savior Jesus Christ and is now at home with Him. Virginia will be laid to rest next to her late husband at Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Funeral and comitial services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to be sent to the Barter Theater 127 W. Main Street Abingdon VA, 24210.

Condolences can be offered at www.forestlawnwest.com.

st Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, Charlotte, NC.