Virgina Hope Blue

I am sure I don't need to tell any of you how amazing Honey was. Her name speaks for itself. What I would like to do is share a few memories and things that she taught me over the years. I have only selected a few as every time I was with Honey a new memory was made.

One trait that I received from Honey was our lack of drawing skills. I discovered this as we all gathered around the table to play pictionary one holiday. It was Honey's turn to draw...she was set up with pencil and paper and the timmer was started. She started with a circle on the paper and the giggles began. Leanne encouraged her to keep drawing as she continued to guess. The more we guessed the harder she laughed yet the circle never grew. At this point I had given up on guessing and was laughing right along side her. Leanne loves to win, so she kept guessing causing Honey to laugh so hard that her eyes disappeared. Honey, I will never forget to laugh until my eyes disappear.

I am not sure how many of you there today know this, but the Blue, Martin, Marshall family has several strong personalities, not naming names. :-) When we all get together you have to be able to hold your own with conversations. This is a great life skill, but more than that Honey would always sit back and watch the conversations unfold. Later when we would go to bed, I often slept with Honey being I was the youngest, she would talk to me about the different things happening. After sitting back and listening she always took away from those events the positive, no matter what. Honey, I have used this in my adult life and it was one of the best lessons you could have ever taught me.

Now one trait I did not share with Honey was her luck when it came to cards. However, she did teach me to have a great time playing. The most memorable card game ever played was in the Martin kitchen. This time I was partners with Mrs. Martin, who also shared the lack of luck that I have. This is when I learned how to trade cards under the table. Two of the most amazing women, one with luck and one with witt, both teaching a younger generation to take time out and play games.

I cannot express through words how much I wish I was able to be there to honor my sweet Honey, but I know in my heart she will always be with each one of us. Her lessons will be carried on for generations to come and she will forever reach down and touch our hearts. Most of all she will always be more than our grandma, she was our Honey.

Obituary:

Nora Virginia (Hope) Blue passed away Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 at Rex Hospital. Virginia was born on September 21, 1912 to Charles R. and Nora Virginia Hope. Virginia grew up in Loudoun County, VA and lived most of her life in the State of Virginia before retiring to Raleigh, NC.

She is survived by her daughters Nancy Marshall, Bonnie (Jerry) Martin and son Charles (Karlyn) Blue; 6 grandchildren, Todd Martin (Kristen), Leanne Martin Walker (Scott), Brett Marshall, Melinda Marshall Case, Mitchell Blue and Angela Blue Taylor (Charles) and 8 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles W. Blue, Sr., brothers Ronald (Marjorie) and Randolph (Miriam) Hope.

Virginia Blue ("Honey" to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, many friends, and family) will be forever missed and loved. She was devoted to her family and friends and worked tirelessly to help others through her churches.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Friday, January 7, 2011 at North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. The family will receive friends 7:00-9:00 pm Thursday, January 6th at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. A graveside service will be held 12:00 pm Saturday, January 8th at Union Cemetery, 323 N. King Street, Leesburg, VA.

The family would like to thank Drs. Gary Bean, Stephen Tremont and their staff, and Dr. Lori Duncan. They would also like to thank her many friends and home healthcare workers Claudia and Nancy.