Virginia Dobbins, life long resident of Burwell, passed away on January 28, 2019 at the Burwell Community Memorial Health Center. She was 97 years old. Virginia Voy Thompson was born on February 17, 1921 near Burwell to Lester and Ismay (Elliott) Thompson. She was the 7th child in a family of 10 children.
Virginia met her future husband at a fall dance, her favorite time of year. She married Carlos “Bus” George Olcott on September 3, 1938 in Burwell. They were blessed with two daughters, Jolene Kay and Janene Faye. Over the years they moved around Burwell and pursued a wide variety of jobs. This included running The Spot, clerking at Leach’s Variety, wrapping meat at Grunkemeyer’s, the Butter Factory and Curler Factory to name just a few. She always had a saying, “she was a jack of all trades but a master of none.”
Virginia went on to marry James Woodson Dobbins on June 5, 1983. They spent many years together enjoying retirement with their family gatherings “wingydings” where she made sure a favorite dish was made for her loved ones. They also enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and taking trips to Arizona with friends for the winter. After Jim died in 2003, she moved to Parkview Plaza.
Her faith and family were the most important things in her life. She accepted Christ at a young age and became a life long member of the First Christian Church where she loved serving. She was a Sunday School leader and Vacation Bible School Director for many years. Virginia enjoyed music whether playing the harpsichord or chording on the piano. However, singing was where her talent lied and she enjoyed sharing it with others.
Virginia spent her life working hard, loving Jesus, and her family. She will be remembered and greatly missed by her many friends and family.
She is survived by her daughter, Janene (Rodney) Way of Lincoln, son-in-law Larry Rowse of Burwell; step-children, Jim (Sharron) Dobbins and Gary (Kay) Dobbins; brother Loyal (Ina) Thompson of Grant and sister Ferol Hoppes of Burwell; grandchildren and great grandchildren (little jewels); many nieces, nephews, and host of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Carlos Olcott and James Dobbins; daughter Jolene Rowse; her parents, brothers Leonard Thompson, Leland Thompson, Lowell Thompson, sisters Flossie Abernethy, Agnes Erington, Edna Mae Hoppes, and infant sister Bertha Thompson.
Funeral services will be held at the First Christian Church on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. Pastor J.B. Sykes will officiate. Interment will be at the Cottonwood Cemetery. Visitation will be one before the service. Luncheon at the church following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the First Christian Church. Hitchcock Funeral Home in Burwell is in charge of arrangements.
