Obituary: Virginia Trimble Smith

Virginia Smith, age 86, of Oak Ridge, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 3, 2014, from complications related to heart disease.

Virginia was born in April 1927 in Kingsport, Tenn., the daughter of William and Edith Taylor Trimble. Virginia graduated from Sullivan High School in Kingsport in 1945, and was married to Ernest Hayden Smith (now deceased) from Shouns, Tenn. She moved to Oak Ridge later that year and worked for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission until the arrival of her first child in 1953.

Virginia was an avid reader and book collector. She loved big band music and swing dancing, and was often nostalgic for Oak Ridge in the early days after the war. She also loved growing vegetables and flowers in her home garden, and cooking for family and friends. Virginia enjoyed traveling, especially to the beach, and visited 25 states during her lifetime. She was a kind and generous mother and very devoted to her four children, even during her long struggle with debilitating arthritis in late adulthood.

Virginia was a member of Royce Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, and shared a strong loving bond with the pastor and congregation there, especially during her difficult times.

Virginia is survived by one sister, Ruth Trimble from Kingsport, and four children, Stephen from Panama City Beach, Fla., Georgann from Alpharetta, Ga., Ernest Hayden Jr. from Huntsville, Ala., and Timothy from Knoxville. Virginia had one brother, Russell from Kingsport, who preceded her in death. Virginia is also survived by three grandchildren, Bryce, Lucas, and Rosalynn; a niece, Jackie Turner; a nephew, Russell Harold; and a great-niece, GiGi Gossett.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Jan. 6, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Royce Baptist Church, and the funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Rev. Mike Harbin officiating. A graveside service will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.