Martha "Virginia" Gay

Martha “Virginia” Williford Gay

Wrens, GA  –              Martha “Virginia” Williford Gay, 83, loving wife of the late Donald Eugene Gay, entered into her eternal rest Monday evening, December 24, 2018 at University Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00 P.M. Thursday afternoon, December 27, 2018 with Reverend John A. Jenkins officiating.  Interment will follow in the Wrens Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

One of five children of the late Susie Williams Williford and the late William Ernest Williford, Virginia was born and raised in Gibson, and was an honor graduate of Gibson High School. As a young girl, she accepted Jesus as her Savior and attended Magnolia Baptist Church.  A “thinker” and scholar, she loved English and Humanities, was a voracious reader and was known for writing poetry—she even had her poem “Who Is God” published. After high school, she started working for Dr. Pilcher, and later for Dr. James Ford, as a receptionist/secretary. Working until health issues prevailed, Virginia was a double cancer survivor. A caregiver by nature, she dedicated herself to the care of her mother, sister, mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Virginia also loved music—playing the piano gave her great comfort and peace. She especially loved gospel music with she and her husband attending gospel sings in the area, most notably at Purvis School House where their favorite group, the Southern Song Master, often sang.  Not having children of their own, she helped raise her nephew and “adopted” him as her own child.  To him and his family, she was lovingly known as “Joey”.  Because of their failing health, both she and Don went to Thomson Health and Rehabilitation Center in May 2016. A loving wife, dedicated daughter and friend, Virginia will be missed by all who knew her.

Virginia is also preceded in death by all of her siblings, Ethel Norton, Pete Williford, Ben Williford, and Ernest Williford Jr.  Those left to mourn her passing include her nephew and caregiver, Jeff Norton (Debbie) and his family; as well as a niece and several nephews. Serving as pallbearers will be Tracy Neal, Corey Norton, Matthew Norton, Robbie Prescott, Don Williford and Keith Williford.

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation are extended to the staff of Thomson Health and Rehabilitation for their loving, compassionate and excellent care.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 1:30-3:00 P.M. Thursday afternoon, December 27, 2018, prior to the funeral service.

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Who Is God