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1916 Virginia 2011

Virginia Obituary

November 6, 1916 — February 17, 2011

Virginia Morgan Defenderfer passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at age 94 on February 17, 2011 at the Oak Ridge Methodist Medical Center. Virginia was born November 6, 1916 in Cottage Grove, TN. Her parents, William Edward Morgan and Inez Elizabeth Hatler Morgan were West Tennessee educators who instilled the values of religion, education, and family to all of their children. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Victor; by brothers Hatler, Luke, Paul, and Joe and sister Ela. She is survived by her three sons, Bob, Bud, Joe and wife Peggy; her daughter Betty Whitworth and husband James; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Virginia was an accomplished woman with many talents, yet unfailing in her love and dedication to God and her church, her family, and to her core values. Ever cheerful, and ever positive, she enriched the lives of her family and many friends. She was truly a woman of high conscience who was able to pass from this world with no regrets or fears.

Virginia began first grade at age four in her mother's classroom. At age nineteen, she received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Tennessee. Virginia then taught math a few years at Spring City High School where she met Victor.

Virginia was a charter member of New York Avenue Church of Christ where she faithfully attended almost every service until the week of her death. She was a respected leader in the church where she taught a women's bible study class for several years.

Virginia was an accomplished seamstress and avid quilter. Her hand sewn quilts are prized possessions of each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Additionally, she led a Friday quilting group at the church.

Virginia and her husband Victor started the first picture framing business in Oak Ridge. For many years the business was operated out of her home and was the "only" place for Oak Ridgers to have framing done. Their customers included early artists, art collectors, and the many young growing families that populated Oak Ridge. Many customers left it all to Virginia who was appreciated for her simple but appropriate artistic taste. As in everything she did, she was always more than fair, never charging quite what Victor would have liked.

Virginia was also a friend to many others in Oak Ridge that she met through breakfast clubs, exercise and hiking groups, and tutoring. She will be missed by many.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New York Avenue Church of Christ, 219 New York Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN. 37830 or to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Inc. 410 Allied Drive, Nashville, TN. 37211. .

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Martin's Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. The funeral service will be held on Sunday at 2:00 PM in the New York Avenue Church of Christ with a graveside service to follow.



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