Virginia Canaday Wilburn

Virginia Canaday Wilburn, 87, passed away December 6, 2011 from injuries she received after a fall. Her husband, Lennis M. Wilburn of South Boston, VA preceded her in death. She is survived by three daughters, Wendy Skinner of Des Moines, IA; Debra Bagwell of Palmyra, VA; and Amy Sabanegh and her husband Ed of Cleveland, OH. She will be missed by her nine grandchildren, Jimmy Skinner, Matthew Skinner, Michael Skinner, John Skinner, Charlie Bagwell, Ted Bagwell, Peter Bagwell, Emily Sabanegh, and Ned Sabanegh. She will be especially missed by her grandson Ted who had a special bond with her. She leaves behind her loved ex-son-in-law, Charles Bagwell and kind friend, John O’Quinn. Her sister and best friend, Eleanor Padgett and brother Jimmy Canaday both of Goode, VA survive her. She was born on Sept. 3, 1924 to Roy and Geneva Canaday of Goode, VA. When asked what her name was she would say , “Virginia Dare, but you can call me Jenny.” She won a nursing scholarship to Roanoke Memorial School of Nursing, Roanoke, VA and graduated with a diploma in nursing. As a young graduate Registered Nurse she moved to South Boston, VA with her fellow nursing student, Mary Alice Jones. Jenny first worked at South Boston Hospital and then at Halifax-South Boston Community Hospital from 1963 to 1986. She worked in the emergency room and then as the head nurse of the operating room. She took pride in her role as a career woman while also being a good mother. It was in South Boston that she met her husband Lennis. They were married 39 years. After her retirement she volunteered at the American Red Cross and kept busy caring for her family. She was a helper and was happiest doing things for others. Jenny was a fantastic cook and she had her house open to all her family and friends. Her meals were so large we would say we needed sideboards to fit all the food on the plate. In her later years she loved keeping up with current events by watching CNN. She was a long time member of Republican Grove United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Patrick Henry’s Boys and Girls Plantation, 860 Red Hill Road, Brookneal, VA 24528. Her viewing will be held on Dec. 10, 2011 from 1 PM to 2 PM with the funeral to follow at 2 PM at Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592. After a short graveside service at Halifax Memorial Gardens, a reception will be held at Ernie’s Restaurant, 1010 Randolph Boulevard, South Boston, VA at 4 PM. PDF Printable Version

Virginia Canaday Wilburn

September 3, 1924 - December 6, 2011