1939-2024
On an unseasonably warm May 28, 1939, Virginia Frances Jennings was born in Portland, Maine as the third of what would eventually be nine children of Harold Manning Jennings, SR and Virginia Lee Walton Jennings.
Soon after, the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee to be closer to her mother’s family while her father served in the Navy during World War II. There, she attended school at Tidwell Elementary. In the 6th grade, the family moved to Elaine, AR where her father opened The Popular Price department store, and she was a member of the graduating class of 1957. Virginia had a lifelong passion for knowledge. She served as class vice president, secretary of the Beta Club, the song leader of the 4-H club, was a member of the Glee Club, Yearbook Staff, basketball team, and a cheerleader for the Elaine Panthers.
It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Bill Gavin. The couple ended up eloping and were married in Hernando, Mississippi on October 1, 1957. Bill and Virginia were undeniably and totally inseparable and had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary when he died unexpectedly on November 6, 2012.
Over the course of their lasting marriage, Bill and Virginia shared many experiences and adventures, but none as rewarding as having two precious daughters, Tammie and Susan. After Tammie was born, the family moved back to the Pansy community in Cleveland County and built a home on the Gavin family homestead, where they remained until her passing on Christmas night, December 25, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
Virginia was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker for more than 20 years when she then decided to enter the workforce and went to work for Automatic Vending of Arkansas (AVA) in Pine Bluff. She retired after 15 years of service as the Coffee Service Coordinator. In her retirement, Bill and Virginia owned and operated B&V Auto Sales. It was truly a team effort. During and after this time, they traveled to many places across the country, spent countless days with their children and grandchildren on Lake Hamilton, and spent every day together until his passing. Virginia was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Mill Creek Order No. 612 at Herbine for many years.
Virginia was predeceased by her parents, husband, and siblings: Harold Jennings Jr, Herbert Jennings, Phyllis Jeter, Patsy Vance, & Molly Ducote. She was also preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Ricky DeWees and Roger Sanders.
She is survived by two daughters, Tammie DeWees of Blunt, SD and Susan Aikman (Rob) of White Hall, two grandchildren; James Gavin Sanders and Lauren Sanders Staton (Evan), one great-granddaughter; Mary Claire Staton all of White Hall. Two sisters, Janis Mayeux and Claudia “Bunny” DeGraff (Bob), and one brother; Sam Jennings (Jodi) all of Baton Rouge, LA followed by a host of nieces and nephews, and her special kitty cat she affectionately called “Miss Kitty”.
The family would like to thank Dr. Todd Firmatura for his years of wonderful medical care and concern, as well as Gentiva Hospice, for the generous and special care provided in her final moments.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials sent in Virginia’s name to: Guardian Angels Cat Club, 907 Hobson Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71913 or to the charity of your choice.
There will be a memorial service and celebration of her life on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11:00am in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son in Pine Bluff. Visitation will precede the memorial in the chapel at 10:00am.
