of 91 years old. She was born in Delight, AR, May 13, 1928, a beautiful Mother’s Day
gift to Nora and Will.
She attended Delight High School, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR, and
LSU-S. World War II had a significant impact on Virginia’s life. Both brothers, and her
first husband, Richard S. Hoover, served in the Navy and Army in WWII. After High
School Graduation (as Salutatorian), she took a gap year, and worked for the FBI, at
the National Headquarters, in Washington, DC, as a Typist in their Steno Pool. She
viewed the WWII Victory Day Parade, from the steps of the National Archives. A day
that she always enjoyed remembering. Virginia was a kind, thoughtful, and giving
person to everyone. Especially to her family, earning the title “Saint Virginia”, from her
daughters. She would chuckle at that, humbly not taking her title seriously. We are all
grateful to have had such a loving mother, grandmother. Virginia lived most of her adult
life in Shreveport, and was active in First United Methodist Church (FMC), and later
Celebration Church. She volunteered with her churches (attended the Agape Sunday
School Class at FMC), Mended Hearts, Providence House, Prison Ministry, FMC Ladies
Circle Group, English as Second Language Class Assistant, and was on the Planning
Committee at Celebration Church. She was also an active member and Secretary of
the Desk & Derrick Club of Shreveport, as she was the Executive Assistant to Nicholas
Hobson Wheless and Nicholas H. Wheless, Jr. “Nick” of Wheless Drilling Company.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Nora Ricketts Williams and William
Monroe Williams, sister Waldine Williams, brothers William M. Williams, Jr. and Charles
Williams, husband Harvey L. Graf and step-son Michael C. Graf. She is survived by
daughters, Debra Hoover Sempter (Brett), of Haughton, LA and Allison Hoover O’Dell
Kinsey (Richard) of Telluride, CO, and a step-daughter, Beatrice Graf Lammons, of
Shreveport, LA. Three grandsons, James “Kelly” Sempter (Ariana) of FL, Collin O’Dell
and Sean O’Dell of CO. Five Graf step-grandchildren. Four great-grandchildren, and
seven beloved nieces and nephews.
Our family wishes to thank the caring Staff of Azalea Estates and Professional Sitter
Service owner, Rick, whose compassion and personal service was beyond compare,
the Sitters who helped with her care, and the Willis Knighton Hospice Nurses, Angela,
Collette and Lucy whose skilled and kind care helped our mother through her final
hours.
A graveside service was held Saturday, October 19th, at Centuries Memorial
Cemetery, Shreveport, LA.
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