Virginia Boyd Staats

Virginia Boyd Staats was born on September 1, 1924, in Jacksonville, Florida. Virginia lived to celebrate her 100th birthday in Jacksonville where she enjoyed most of her active life. She passed away quietly on April 30, 2025.

Charles T. and Mary Ewing Boyd welcomed their second child, Virginia. She was greeted by her brother, Charles T. Boyd, Jr.(Bunnie) (predeceased). Another sister arrived, Mary Ewing Stamps (Bernie) (predeceased) The Boyd family was well known in the Riverside area where Virginia came out as a debutante before graduating from Robert E. Lee. She started Florida State University but earned her bachelor’s degrees in English and Art from Brenau and later taught school. Her family regularly entertained men serving our country at NAS Jax. She soon met the love of her life, a Navy Chief Pharmacist Mate, Howard E. Staats(predeceased). They married on June 4, 1948, and she remained a devoted wife for over fifty years. They have two sons, Howard E. II (Gay), Longwood, FL and Philip E. living in Jacksonville. Philip has been a loving caretaker to his mother for a decade. Grandma Gin was very proud of her two grandsons, Travis, in St. Augustine and Derrick living in Longwood, FL. She is survived by nephews; Buckley Stamps (Fayetteville, GA), Chuck Boyd (Janie) Jacksonville Beach, Bill Boyd, Jacksonville. Her only niece, Mary Ewing Stamps lives in St. Joseph, MN

Virginia was known to be a creative and talented woman! Known to many as “Ginny” she could often be found in her church, St. John's Presbyterian, arranging flowers or foods for celebrations or holidays. She was a member of Jacksonville Garden Club and hosted many delicious luncheons. Loving her community dearly, she volunteered eagerly at the Cummer Art Gallery. But her love of life was witnessed weekly on the tennis courts at the Florida Yacht Club.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Baptist Hospice Community and the loving members of St. John’s Presbyterian who have been so thoughtful and gracious during this time.