Virginia Story Utley

Virginia Ruth Story Utley, 91, loving wife of the late James “Marion” Utley, entered into her eternal rest Monday morning, June 12, 2023 at Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM Sunday afternoon, June 18, 2023, with the Reverend Billy Carroll officiating.  Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Waynesboro.

The eldest girl of twelve children born to the late Ethel Faglier Story and the late Harrison Story, Virginia had to quit school at a young age to help take care of her younger siblings. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and served Him as a member at Brushy Creek Baptist Church for sixty years, where she made deep relationships and enjoyed the fellowship until her health decline.  A great cook, in her younger years she enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for her family, and was known for her biscuits and fried chicken. Virginia loved to go shopping and out to eat, especially at Hamrick’s and Captain D’s, respectively.  She was also was known to be a great seamstress, and could be found at her sewing machine at all hours of the day.  Virginia loved, loved, loved butterflies and found great relaxation in watching as they fluttered about.  Even though she was outspoken, people gravitated to her as she exuded great love and caring for others. She had a true love for others and was eager to meet people and fellowship with them. Having a generous and giving spirit, Virginia was a faithful friend. Above all else, she had an absolute love for her family—children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, and extended family—and especially enjoyed family reunions where she was able to catch up on the happenings in everyone’s life.  Her smile was contagious and her desire was for everyone to know Jesus and to be happy.  Everyone who had the privilege of knowing her will miss her beautiful smile and her kind, loving, gentle spirit.

Virginia is also preceded in death by her grandson, Joshua Utley; and her siblings, Doyle Story, Junior Story, Ronnie Story, Barbara Cowart, Linda Poole, Edna Bragg, Dolly Donaldson, Thomas Story and Janice Davis. Those left to cherish her memories include her children, Gloria Black (Robert), Buddy Utley (Sue), Michael Utley (Paula) and Rodney Utley (Debra); two siblings, Wayne Story (Sandy) and Patricia Ann Hadden (Johnny); fourteen (14) grandchildren; sixteen (16) great-grandchildren; one (1) great-great grandson; a multitude of nieces and nephews, church family, and many friends.  Serving as pallbearers will be David Copeland, Dennis Copeland, Corey Utley, Mike Utley, Victor Utley, and Caleb Torres.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center and Regency Hospice for their loving, compassionate, and professional care.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday evening, June 17, 2023.