Virginia P. Wimbush

Wimbush, 77

Virginia P. Wimbush, aged 77, died peacefully on April 18, 2014 in her daughter’s home (where she had lived for several years), after a long battle with illness. Virginia was born June 1, 1936, in Bassett, VA, the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Frank (Mary) Penn. Mary passed when Virginia was a young girl, and she was raised by her stepmother, Elizabeth Cassie Penn after her father remarried. She was affectionately called “Tootsie” by many family members.
Virginia thoroughly enjoyed cooking and sewing. She was well known for her fried chicken, fried corn, five-flavor pound cake, pistachio/chocolate cake, and applesauce brownies. She also enjoyed making clothes for herself and her family.
Virginia attended George Washington Carver High School, where she met James B (JB) Wimbush. In 1954, Virginia married JB, had her first child the following year and moved to Columbus, OH shortly thereafter. JB and Virginia had a total of three children together that they raised in Columbus, OH.
Virginia retired from J.C. Penny Outlet store in 1999, after working there for approximately 24 years. In addition to raising three children, Virginia’s greatest achievement was to ensure all three of her children came to know the Lord during her lifetime.
Virginia was born again in December, 1986, and joined Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church. She was an active member of the Mothers’ Board and Seasoned Citizens Ministries until stricken by illness.
Virginia is survived by her sister, Belvain Wright of Fieldale, VA.; brothers, Frank Penn and Rochester (Cathy) Penn both of Fieldale, VA.; her former husband James B. Wimbush of Columbus, OH; son, James A. (Teresa) Wimbush, daughters, Teari (Shamsideen) Buari and Dianna (Ira) Hartway all of Columbus, OH.; grandchildren, Jondrea, Shanon, Deonna, Thailer, and James; one great-granddaughter, Lariyah; and a number of other relatives and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Frank Penn, her mother, Mary Penn, her beloved stepmother, Elizabeth Penn, her sister-in-law, Alberta Mae Penn, and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Wright.