Virginia Mae Burton Childress

Virginia Mae Burton Childress, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at Willowbrook Rehabilitation and Care Center on June 30, 2017. She was born in Boonville, August 21, 1933, to John Preston Burton and Gracie Farmer Burton. Raised in Boonville and a loyal member of Charity Baptist Church, Virginia eloped at an early age to marry Vern Childress Jr. (Bud) on July 21, 1951. They were married for 46 years, prior to his death in 1997. She was a strong woman of great faith, dignity and a loving mother to two adoring children, Sharon and Barry. She also cherished her two granddaughters, Alison and Ashley. Virginia’s greatest callings in life were the roles of wife, mother and caretaker. She was actively involved in the Yadkinville community. She was frequently seen at the First Baptist Church of Yadkinville and supporting her husband with his local Chevrolet dealerships. Later in life, Virginia provided loving care for her husband during the 9 years he battled cancer. She was an excellent baker and was recognized locally for her highly sought-over Moravian Ginger Cookies every Christmas. This tradition lives on with her daughter and granddaughters. Many years after Bud’s death, Virginia took on the role of a loving companion and fiancé to Max Welborn. For approximately 12 years they shared a history of community, church, family, friends and a passion for the car business. His passing in 2015 was a great loss to many. Virginia is survived by her two children, Sharon Childress Best (husband Billy) and granddaughter Alison of Holly Springs, NC and Barry Childress (wife Jackie) and granddaughter Ashley of Yadkinville, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Vestal (husband Max) of Yadkinville. In addition to her parents, husband Vern, and later companion Max, she is preceded in death by her brothers James Burton and JP Burton. The family would like to give recognition to her excellent caregivers, sitters, faithful visitors, and Mountain Valley Hospice for their love and support. Family members would also like to express love and gratitude to Virginia’s lifelong friend Carolyn Woodruff and her sister Elizabeth Vestal, for their donation of time and support during her last 2 years. Gloria Jenkins, Donna Martin and Sherry Poindexter were also loyal sitters and loving companions to Virginia and her family. A visitation will be held from 1 PM -3 PM Sunday July 2, 2017 at Gentry Family Funeral Home, 5108 US Highway 601, Yadkinville, NC, 27055. The funeral will be immediately following at 3PM. Reverend Ken Boaz, Reverend Mark Brown and Reverend Bill Johnson will be officiating. Virginia’s love of bird watching was a great pleasure in her last days, therefore the family is asking for memorial contributions made out to Mountain Valley Hospice of Yadkinville in lieu of flowers. These donations will be used to assist in providing bird houses so that each patient in the new facility can share in her beloved past-time. Donations to your favorite charity in her memory are also appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Childress family.