Virginia Grace Wellner Horton, earned her heavenly wings on Friday, March 23, 2018. At long last, she was reunited with her sweetheart Gene.
Virginia was born November 22, 1925, in Fall River County, South Dakota to Henry and Ardeena Wellner. She attended elementary and high school in Gettysburg and Watertown, South Dakota. After graduation she attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis.
Courtship to Gene consisted of letters exchanged during his service in the Navy during World War II. They married in June of 1947 and moved to North Carolina, then Tennessee for educational pursuits. Both partners in the marriage chose careers based in education. Virginia taught at Lee College, Chattanooga Valley Elementary, Barger Elementary and substituted in other Chattanooga City Schools.
Virginia’s daughters were always delighted with the beautiful creations she made them on her trusty Singer sewing machine. She was also known for her never-empty cookie jar, which was usually loaded with her homemade chocolate chip cookies.
After retirement, Virginia joined her husband in tending a beautiful backyard garden, bringing joy to friends, family and neighbors.
She will meet many loved ones who have gone before her to heaven: her parents, her loving spouse Gene, sisters Fay Ardis Wellner, Peggy Steele and brother Douglas Wellner.
Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Judy Horton and Patti Horton Dennis (Robert); grandsons, Tony (Tiffany) Patterson and Jeremy (Stephanie) Patterson; granddaughter, Robin Dennis Burns (Josh); great-grandchildren, Blake and Caitlyn Patterson; sisters, Ellen Morrison of Minneapolis, Mn., Ramona Lewis of Springfield, Mo. and Audrey Doggett (Taylor) of Greensboro, NC; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 27 from 5-7 p.m.
A graveside service for family will be at the National Cemetery on Wednesday, March 28 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or Virginia’s long-time church home, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 6314 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.
Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.