Obituary: Virginia Drake Killough

Virginia Drake Killough, of Oak Ridge, died Oct. 21 at Harriman Care and Rehabilitation Center after a long decline with dementia.

Virginia was the daughter of Theodore and Hettie Sue Drake, who predeceased her.

She was born and raised in Maryville and graduated from Maryville High School. She attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated with high honors with a major in English and a minor in French. After graduation, she worked for the University of Tennessee in the Office of Admissions and Records.

In 1965, Virginia and George G. Killough were married. They moved to Johnson City in 1966, where Virginia pursued graduate study in English and American literature at East Tennessee State University and qualified for a secondary teacher’s certificate.In 1974, she and George returned to the Knoxville area, and in 1975, they settled in Oak Ridge. Virginia returned to The University of Tennessee Records Office, where she worked until her retirement in 1988.

Virginia leaves behind her husband of 48 years, George G. Killough of Oak Ridge. Her surviving first cousins include Nancy Day (Marvin) of Beaufort, S.C., Deanna Paine of Maryville, Joe Mischlic (Charlene) of Powell, and Jean Haynes of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Virginia was out of touch with her friends for many years during her illness, but they remember her with fondness. They loved her for her kindness, loyalty, generosity, wit, her love of books and sharing them, her infectious laughter, and for being so much fun to be with.

The family wishes to thank the many kind and dedicated people who took part in Virginia’s care. To each and every one of you, we are profoundly grateful. We are also grateful to Harriman Care and Rehabilitation Center for providing Virginia with excellent care, for their unfailing sensitivity to our needs, and for making us feel at home at all times.

A graveside service was held on Friday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with Chaplain Tom Hicks officiating.

Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of funeral arrangements.

The family requests that friends wishing to make memorial gifts make a contribution to PBS, WUOT, The University of Tennessee Foundation directed to the UT Library, or to a charity of their choice, instead of flowers.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.