Virginia Wortham

Virginia Wortham was born on May 26, 1933, one of eight girls and five boys born to the union of Jimmy and Odessa Owensby in Heard County, Georgia. Virginia professed Christ at an early age and proudly lived her life as an example of God’s Love, Peace and Mercy. Virginia united with the South Suburban Church of God (SSCOG) in 1960, and with a servant’s heart, she faithfully served as an Usher and as a member of Communion Board. In November 2013, she was honored among SSCOG’s Mothers of Zion. As a Mother of Zion, Virginia stood among other SSCOG ladies, who exemplified the attributes of motherhood, selflessness, sacrifice, and love. Most importantly, they followed the One who is the ultimate example of these attributes, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Virginia was married to Carl Wortham. To their union, seven children were born. A devoted wife and mother, Virginia raised her children to love life and to be contributing members of their community. She led by example and served as a member of the local PTA and various other volunteer groups and service organizations. Virginia believed in the value of hard work, dedication and being the best at any task or endeavor. “Get up and do something”, was among her many motivational quotes during one-on-one counseling sessions. Virginia was affectionately known throughout the community as the “Greens Lady”, because of her large and well-manicured gardens. She considered herself to be an expert at growing and caring for her mustard, collard and turnip greens, which people came from near and far to gather. As she grew older, she loved to take long rides through “the country” to see the various farming properties and purchase fruits and vegetables from the roadside markets. She was employed by Ford Heights School District 169 for many years until her retirement. She truly enjoyed working with the staff and children. Following retirement, she moved to Chicago Heights where she spent her days caring for her grandchildren, tending to her garden and various flower beds. Virginia received her wings to spend eternity with her heavenly Father on Friday, February 21, 2014 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She was 80 years old at the time of her transition. Preceding her in death were her husband, Carl Wortham in 1991 and five siblings, Charlie-Williams, James, Jimmy, Henry and Lester Owensby. Virginia leaves to celebrate her loved-filled life and cherish her memory, six daughters, Janice Vanarsdale, Beverly Days, Ternita Alston, Carla Wortham, Sandra Sanner (Dennis) and Georgette McKinney; one son, Michael Wortham; and a step-daughter, Linda Crawford; 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; seven sisters, Annie Ridley, Lucille Darden, Louvenia Maddox, Liz Owensby, Helen Owensby, Dianne Lake and Chyanne Woods; two brothers, Donald Owensby and Moses Owensby; numerous nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Virginia Wortham

May 26, 1933 - February 21, 2014