Dr. Virginia Howle Yocum

Dr. Virginia Howle Yocum, 81, of Gadsden, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Funeral Services will be at 2:00p.m. on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Collier-Butler Chapel. The Rev. Harvey Beck will officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. The Family will accept friends from 12 noon until the hour of the service on Monday at the funeral home.

Virginia was born in Heflin, Alabama on July 29, 1939. She graduated high School in 1958 and went on to get a Bachelor's Degree in vocational home economics from Jacksonville State University in 1962. She earned a Master's Degree in 1964 and Doctorate of Education in 1978 from the University of Alabama.

Virginia taught in secondary education from 1962-1969. She worked as an extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service in 1970-1971.She returned to Jacksonville State University as an instructor in the areas of food and nutrition in 1971. She became department head in 1983. She retired in 1997.

She was honored as the Outstanding Faculty Member by the Jacksonville State University Alumni Association in 1997. Virginia was a long time active member of Attalla First United Methodist Church and was most recently an active member of Gadsden First United Methodist Church. She belonged to the Gadsden Music Club where she was Parliamentarian for several years and President from 2009-2011. She was a leader in the Alabama Home Economics Association and served as President in 1991-1992. She was certified as a Registered Dietician. She was a member of The Golden Chain.

Virginia enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking and playing bridge with her friends. Her greatest pleasure was time spent with Cy and Colby, her grandsons. Virginia was an outstanding cook. She published two very popular cookbooks. She was a true southern lady and had so many friends. She was a caretaker of her loving husband in his final years. She loved her family dearly.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Harry Yocum; parents, Newell and Nellie Howle; sister, Cathy McFerrin; and brother, Terry Howle.

She is survived by her son, Chris (Christy) Yocum; grandsons, Cy and Colby Yocum; brother, Gary (Phyllis) Howle; brother in law, Mike McFerrin; sister in law, Nancy Howle; and special nieces and nephews, Stacy Gaither, Kristen Tollison, Melissa Dyer, Lee Hubert, Brett Hubert, Brandon Hubert, and Adam Hubert.

Pallbearers will be Lamar Jaggears, Mark Cassidy, Blake Yocum, Charlton Giles, Cy Yocum, and Colby Yocum.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to JSU foundation The Dr. Virginia Yocum Scholarship 700 Pelham Road North Jacksonville, AL 36265.

The family would like to express a special thanks to her Caregivers and Encompass hospice.