Virginia Lee Guffey Adams, 75, with her family and friends at her side, passed into glory with her heavenly father on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022 from her home in Andrews, N.C.
Virginia was born on Dec. 11, 1946 in Murphy, N.C., the first of five children to Thomas Frank Guffey Sr. and Nancy Priscilla Chambers Guffey. She was preceded in death by her father and by her husband of more than 51 years, Alvin “Cider” Alden Adams and her twin grandsons, Andrew and William Adams.
Virginia's children and their spouses are a son, Timothy David and wife, Wendy; son, Anthony Alvin and wife, Kelly; and daughter, Angel Adams Massey. Her grandchildren are Lillian Massey, Timothy Jacob Massey and Ellie Adams. Her siblings and their spouses are Patricia Guffey Slagle; Thomas Frank Guffey, Jr. and spouse, Eunice (Brit); Willie Mae Guffey Tatham and spouse, Richard Franklin Tatham Sr. and Stephenson Gary Guffey and spouse, Susan Postell Guffey. Her brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Kay Adams and her sister-in-law, Lois Adams. She has numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Virginia's favorite thing to do was to witness to people about her Lord and Savior, spend time with her children, their spouses, grandchildren, siblings and their families and with friends. She loved celebrating all life's special events, the holidays, birthdays, graduations, and weddings, among her family and friends. All who enjoyed these times admired her delicious meals with delectable desserts and marveled at how easily she made them feel at home and special.
Virginia was an avid gardener and canned numerous vegetables and fruits which she lovingly prepared and freely shared with family and friends. In particular, she was well known for her canned heritage green beans, homemade salsa and vegetable soup.
As a professional, Virginia used her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Masters of Health Science degrees from Western Carolina University to care for many and advance the healthcare industry across her community. Her skills as a nurse and administrator, especially when paired with her natural compassion and servant's heart, evidenced a sincerity and pureness for nursing care among her patients supporting the health services of Good Shepherd Home Health, Andrews District Memorial Hospital (where she served as director of nursing and later assistant administrator), Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta and Murphy Medical Center. Even in retirement she was always quick to help with family and friends when nursing care was needed.
The love of her church, community and fellow citizens was evident through her volunteer service across numerous organizations: the Cherokee County Board of Health, First Baptist Church of Andrews: director for the Senior Citizens Program, Children's Bible Drill Program volunteer, and facilitator for numerous Bible studies, Pinwheel Program, student tutor, Haven and Konnaheetah Club.
In the past year, Virginia had worked with Rev. Fred Lunsford to advance the program "Prayer on the Mountain." She was very faithful weekly to be available for those who called for prayers and to present intercessory prayer across areas of concern for the community, nation and world.
Virginia was a member of the Vengeance Creek Baptist Church located in Marble, N.C. Formerly, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Andrews.
Virginia's presence with her family, friends, church and community will be greatly missed as she was a beaming light for her Christ Jesus for all she met with a servant's heart to ensure they had the best that she could offer for their lives.
The family received friends at the Andrews First Baptist Church from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 15. The "Celebration of Life" was at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 at the Andrews First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jerry Dockery and Pastor Calvin Bobo delivering the message. Pallbearers were her nephews, Richie Tatham, Thomas Tatham, Bobby Murr, Wesley Slagle, Chris Miller, Shoyne Adams, Bill Gilroy and Neil Hoy. The honorary pallbearers were lifelong friends of the Class of 1965, Hal Mason, Larry Dailey, Dexter Grindstaff, Johnny Love and Howard Brown, along with her personal physician and dear friend Dr. Thomas Clayton.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home: www.townson-rose.com was in charge of arrangements.