Virginia N Gilreath

Born on June 13th, 1930, Virginia (Tillie) was the eldest of 14 children born to Virginia and Richard Nordmann of Queens Road West. She attended Lenoir Rhyne College. She was married to the late Edwin Gilreath of Charlotte and they had one daughter, “the delight of her life”, Debra Gilreath Morgan of Charlotte, N.C.

Virginia lived a full and happy life. She earned her pilots license and was checked out on twin engine airplanes. She would fly in one of her 3 airplanes in the Powder Puff Derbies, The Angel Derby and the Air Race Classic. She received two safety awards for outstanding safe flying by the A.O.P.A. She was on the board of directors of the North Carolina area flying club. She served as Vice-Chairman, Secretary and news reporter for her 99 Lady Pilots Chapter of the International Organization. She was also a charter member of the Blue Ridge Chapter, The 99’s, an elite group of 7,000 women pilots, the Piedmont Carolina Flying Club and the Arrow Flying Club.

Virginia was an accomplished pianist, an avid boater, and at the time of her death had completed half of her autobiography. She loved “investigating the facts” and wrote copious, newsy letters to family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra G. Morgan, her son-in-law, Bob Morgan, her grandchildren, Toney Cannon, Carrie C. Henderson, Amanda M. Berkman of CLT and Adrienne M. Shipp of Gastonia, N.C.; her great grandchildren, Noah Henderson, Jasmine, Samantha and Taylor Cannon, Christian Morgan, Sarah Shipp, Kolton Morgan, and Mya Belle Berkman; her siblings, Shirley N. Hill of Matthews, N.C., Jeanette N. Lee, Linda N. Smith of Charlotte, N.C., Frieda N. Porter of Atlanta, GA, Paul Nordmann, Henry Nordmann of Conway, S.C. and Ronnie Nordmann of Summerton, S.C. and scores of nieces and nephews.

Virginia’s stated the greatest moment in life came when she committed her life to the Lord Jesus Christ. She said her faith, the Bible and prayer are all anyone needs to have peace of mind. As she took her last breath, her daughter and sisters were singing to her, “Jesus Loves Me”.

The funeral will be at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Park Road, CLT at 2 PM Thursday, April 30th. Visitation will be from 1-2 PM at the same location. Her internment will be at Forest Lawn West at 4601 Freedom Drive, CLT. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral and Cremation Service.

On-line condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.