Virgina Leard

On Friday, April 12, Virginia Gaddis Leard peacefully passed away in her home at the
age of 86. Virginia was born on June 3, 1932 in Upshur County. She graduated
Salutatorian of her class from Union Ridge where she enjoyed playing volleyball and
having fun with classmates. While working at Perry’s Dime Store on the square in
Gilmer, she met the love of her life, Vernon “V.T.” Leard. They married April 23,
1954 and built their forever home in Diana where they lived out their happiest days.
V.T. and Virginia made Ore City First United Methodist Church their church home
and greatly enjoyed serving over the years. From Methodist Women, to various
committees, to working many years with the youth, she was always involved, but
she most enjoyed singing alto in the church choir every Sunday morning. She
worked at DeBerry Butane in Ore City, where she retired after 25 years. Virginia
was always on the go…She and V.T. loved to travel to Hot Springs and Branson with
her sister Lil and brother-in-law Sambo. She was a great entertainer and hosted
many unforgettable family gatherings at her home. She was an expert floral
arranger and crafter that could put Martha Stewart to shame. Sometimes bossy,
always clever, with a one of a kind dry sense of humor, Virginia brought lots of
laughter to all who knew her. Aunt Jean to some, Sapphire or Ginna to others,
everyone can agree there was no one else quite like her. She will be greatly missed
by all who loved her.
Virginia is preceded in death by her loving husband, Vernon “V.T.” Leard; her
mother and father, Buck and Blanche Gaddis; her wonderful in-laws, Clyde and
Blanche Leard; seven brothers and sisters who loved and doted on their baby sister;
and a few nieces and nephews she thought the world of.
Virginia is survived by her brother-in-law, Kenny Leard of Mico, TX and wife Judy;
sister-in-law Anne Brown of Palestine, TX; and dear niece, Patricia Cook, who was
honored to be her caretaker in her final days. She is also survived by a host of
nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that will all miss her immensely.
Private family services have been held. Virginia was laid to rest in Ore City
Cemetery next to her beloved V.T. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her
honor to the Ore City Food Panty at the Ore City Methodist church where she
volunteered.