Virginia M. Page

Virginia Mae Page, daughter of the late Claud William and Lula (Turner) Smith, was born July 27, 1925 in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. As a young girl, Virginia grew up in Big Piney/Bloodland area, attended school at Bloodland School, and Licking High School. On August 25, 1946, Virginia was united in marriage to Verner Paul Page in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 61 years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on April 23, 2008. Virginia and Verner were blessed with Vicky, and twins, Van and Verda and were blessed to raise their family in and around Big Piney. Virginia and Verner ran the Big Piney Grocery Store until Verner’s parents moved into the store and Verner moved the family to the farm. For several years, Virginia raised the children and ran the farm while Verner worked in St. Louis and later on Fort Leonard Wood. Virginia made the chores fun for the children. For example, while cutting wood they would have a picnic or after she applied wax to the floors in the house, she would let the kids “skate” across the floor and in reality, they were polishing the floor for her. Virginia made sure that they shared a lot of family time together…. whether it was having fun at the river or coming home after church on Sunday and playing games until time to go back to church for Sunday evening services. Virginia was an excellent cook always having supper on the table when Verner got home at 5:00 p.m. She also cooked many a meal for the hay hands over the years. Her children and their families, other relatives and friends always enjoyed birthday and family gatherings with the best home cooked dinners, especially her desserts and her fried crappie. The family home would be overflowing with laughter and friendly competitive board and card games such as Dominoes, Yahtzee, and Pictionary. She was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed making all the girls’ clothes and in later years even made their wedding dresses, as well as for other people. In her spare time, Virginia enjoyed quilting, reading, embroidery, and gardening/canning. When the children were involved in 4-H, she and Verner were involved as well and went to many a meetings and events. They were even named Farm Family of Pulaski County one year and were able to attend the State Fair. Virginia was a faithful member of the Hopewell Baptist Church, serving as church clerk for over 60 years. She also taught Sunday School and VBS for many years; always willing to help wherever she was needed. Fondly, we remember the church potluck dinners and everyone wanting some of Virginia’s chicken and dumplings. She was a member of the Big Piney Fellowship club and also volunteered with the Gideon’s. Virginia went home to be with her Lord Thursday, April 8, 2021 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri having attained the age of 95 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Virginia leaves to cherish her memory, three children: Vicky Chambers of Big Piney, MO, Van Page (Cindy) of Lebanon, MO, and Verda Morrow (Clyde) of Big Piney, MO; five grandchildren: Lynn Chambers, Lori Crabtree, Randy Cole, Karla Williams, Michael Page; fourteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by one grandson: Stephen Page; one sister: Vesta Welch; and one brother: Bill Smith. Even though Virginia is gone from our sight, Mom and Mema‘s fun loving and committed spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 2021 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Larry Harris officiating. The sons “Well Done” by the Afters was played and Virginia’s daughter-in-law, Cindy Page sang “Ancient Words” and “It Is Well With My Soul”. Serving as escorts were Lynn Chambers, Robert Crabtree, Randy Cole, Mason Crabtree, Michael Page and Dalton Chambers. Burial followed in the Hopewell Cemetery of Big Piney, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Virginia Page to the Big Piney Perpetual Care Cemetery Fund and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Virginia M. Page

July 27, 1925 - April 8, 2021