Mary Virginia Sorsby

Mary Virginia Stallworth Sorsby passed over in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 9. Her death was unexpected and the result of injuries sustained from a fall in her own beloved home. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia (Ginny) Sorsby Fergus, and son-in-law, Browning Fergus, of Atlanta, GA; her son, Dayton Phillips Sorsby III, daughter-in-law, Betts Turner Sorsby, and grandson, Turner Stallworth Sorsby, of Columbia, SC. Her faithful husband of nearly 56 years, Dayton Phillips Sorsby, preceded her in death by less than a year.

Mary Virginia was born in Birmingham, AL on December 3, 1925 to Eudora Gilmore Stallworth and Grover Cleveland Stallworth. She graduated from Atmore High School and then from Birmingham Southern College, and later received a Certification in Orthoptics from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. She worked at the University Hospital, for Dr. Nugaent, and practiced Orthoptics here in Birmingham. After being home with her two children for many years she took up a twenty year career as a science and English teacher at Thompson Middle School in Alabaster, AL where she was awarded Teacher of the Year before her retirement.

Mary Virginia was known for her ever present smile and kind and unassuming ways. She was a lifelong Christian and church member, spending over 60 years as an active member of South Highland Presbyterian Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter and daughter-in-law, and faithful friend to so many. Her enduring qualities were humility, joy, happiness, love, consideration for others, intelligence, and contentment. She will be missed by so many who will cherish memories of her.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 10 from 5 - 7 PM at Ridout's Valley Chapel on Oxmoor Road in Homewood, AL.

The graveside service will be held Friday, October 11 at 10:00 AM at Elmwood Cemetary in Birmingham, AL.

The memorial service is Friday, October 11 at 11:00 AM at South Highland Presbyterian Church on Highland Avenue in Birmingham, AL. A reception will follow in the parlor.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Children and Youth Ministry of South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2035 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205.