Virginia Ann Gibbs Cochran, born June 24, 1936, died March 14, 2017.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Percy Gilbert Cochran, and her parents, Sena Beck Gibbs and C.L. (Jake) Gibbs. 

She is survived by her sisters, Mary Frances Irvin (George), Catherine Hamm and Linda Staylor (Lowry); niece, Mary Catherine Block (Chris); nephews, George Lee Irvin IV (Caroline) and David Hamm; great nieces, Julia Irvin, Sena Irvin, Annabelle Block; great nephew, Sander Block; brothers- in-law, Douglas Hughes Cochran, Elizie (Putt) and Lee Cochran (Linda).

Virginia loved children and was the leader of the Sunbeam youth at Bagby Memorial Baptist Church.  She taught children’s Sunday school at Ward’s Chapel United Methodist Church where she faithfully attended with Percy. She was known for her gardening of both flowers and vegetables and loved to cook, especially pound cakes, pies and homemade ice cream. Virginia loved sharing her canned goods and bakery items with her family, friends and neighbors.

Virginia worked for 37 years at Piedmont Sanatorium, later called Piedmont State Hospital. She was an assistant to the superintendent and medical director and later became the director of medical records for Piedmont Geriatric Hospital.

Virginia was always the caregiver. She cared for numerous elderly relatives and friends and spent quality time with parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special thank you to caregivers Teresa Overton, Beverly Hammonds, Hazel Warsing, Jessica Karakaris, Phyllis Bennett, Flora King, Nadine King, Chelcea Dillard, Becky Davis, Bonnie Ashworth and the Centra Hospice staff for their love and support.

Family and friends will gather at Bagby Memorial Baptist Church, Sandy River Road, Burkeville, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, for a memorial service, with private interment.   

Contributions may be made to Bagby Memorial Baptist Church, c/o Jean Fowlkes, 215 Grape Lawn Road, Burkeville, VA 23922, Burkeville Medical Foundation, P.O. Box 45, Crewe, VA  23930 or Centra Hospice, 713 Oak St. Farmville, VA 23901.

Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.