1937
2012
Virginia Hall Read, 74, left us to be with our Lord on August 10, 2012, after an extended illness. Virginia, the youngest child of Angus and Hassie Bowie Hall, grew up in rural Winston County, close to Louisville, MS, and graduated from Louisville High School in 1955. After attending the University of Mississippi, she matriculated to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to attend medical school. During her sophomore year she married a classmate, Dale G. Read. After completion of her sophomore year, she transferred to the graduate program in biochemistry at UMMC. She obtained a M.S. degree in biochemistry in 1962 and a Ph.D. in 1964. She was associated with the University Medical Center until her retirement in June 2000. Her research focused on thyroid and adrenal biochemistry and physiology and was published in refereed scientific journals such as Endocrinology, Nature, Biochemical Pharmacology, Journal of Clinical Investigation and Hypertension. In addition to research and teaching students and residents, she was Director of Special Chemistry, Division of Clinical Pathology, in the Department of Pathology from 1979-2000.
Of all the positions she filled at UMMC, her most favorite was her work with the Medical School Admissions Committee. She was a committee member from 1986-1991 and was appointed chairman of this committee in 1991, serving as such until her retirement in 2000.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church since 1970 and found her work on church committees most satisfying. She served on the Administrative Board and was the first female chairman of the Administrative Board. She served 2 terms on the Staff Parish Relations Committee, chairing the committee for 2 years during each term. In addition she served as Youth Coordinator and a member of the Board of Trustees. She was a member of the Christian Homebuilders Sunday School class, as well as a member of a small group since this program began at CUMC.
She considered her three children to be among her best achievements. The oldest, Laurie, is a physician and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee School of Medicine. She lives in Olive Branch with her husband Trev Sprabery, M.D., and two sons, Read and Nathan. The middle child Gil, an electrical engineer, lives in Spring, TX, with his wife, Lynette, sales manager for an office supply firm. The youngest, Eva, is an architect, who lives in Bryan, TX with husband Robert Warden, Professor of Architecture at Texas A & M, and two daughters, Rachel and Lois. Virginia and Dale have instilled in their children the love of God and the importance of family, an accomplishment beyond academic and professional achievements.
In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Dr. Read is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Roxene and Charles Atkinson of Starkville; brother-in-law Don Read; sister-in-law Kay Edwards and husband Ed Edwards; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, August 13, 2012 from Christ United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Interment will follow the service at 3:30 pm in the Louin Cemetery, Louin, MS.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the University Medical Center and the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, for their excellent, compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Read's memory may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church Building Fund (601-956-6974) or the Louin Cemetery Endowment Fund at the Mississippi United Methodist Foundation, P.O. Box 2415, Ridgeland, MS 39158.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 14, 2012
Louise Austin
It was a pleasure to know Dr. Read, I worked with her during her illness and she was very polite and kind. Dr Read you will be missed. To the Read Family you are in my prayers.
August 14, 2012
Danny & Brenda Gail Wall
You all are in our thoughts and prayers!
August 14, 2012
Laurie, Mrs. Virginia had such a beautiful spirit and GOD has added another flower to his garden in heaven. May the love of GOD continue to give you and your family comfort during this time.
August 14, 2012
Rudy and Theresa Irwin
Dr. Read, so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You are very special to our family, not just as a physician, but as a friend. We know your heart is heavy and we pray that God gives you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
August 14, 2012
Thinking of you and your family in this time. I have fond memories of visiting with the both of you. Sorry to hear of the news. Rhonda and Steve Meadows.
August 14, 2012
Wanda Barnes Hall
Dale & Family
So sorry to hear of her passing via Aunt Hope. I know it has been a long struggle for all of you.
Cousin Wanda
August 13, 2012
May God surround you in all his glory as you move through this sad time. Virginia was a God send for my children Scott and Cynthia. Always she will be in our hearts. My prayers are with you.
Carol Sprabery (Laramie, Wyoming)
August 13, 2012
Roland Robertson
Dale and family,
Condolences to you!
Virginia was admired and respected for her selfless professionalism at UMMC.
May you find serenity in fond family memories and the knowledge of an accomplished career of helping others.
August 13, 2012
David Warden
Eva -- We were sorry to learn of your mother's passing ... you all are in our thoughts today as you lay her to rest. David, Lucia, Randall, Kristen, Peter, Catherine, Mike, Mason, and Stephan.
August 13, 2012
Therese Despeaux
Laurie, My heart and prayers are with you and all of your family. Your mom was clearly a very special person whom I know meant the world to you. I pray that your memories bring you comfort and smiles when your heart is heavy. Much love, Therese Despeaux
August 13, 2012
Esther Fabbricante
Don, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your sister-in-law. I never had the privilege of knowing her or Dr. Dale. My deepest condolences to all the family and friends.
August 13, 2012
Susie Frith-Harvey
So sorry to hear about your loss. She was a beautiful person and an inspiration to all who knew her. May God be with you and comfort you.
August 12, 2012
Gwen Mills
August 12, 2012
Dale and Family,
My heart is with you in your sorrow.
From a friend who cares so much.
Gwen Mills
August 12, 2012
May the God of comfort be with you and your family at this difficult time.
August 12, 2012
Margaret & John Mason
Dale, Gil, Laurie and Eva, we are so very sorry for your loss. Virginia was so loved by so many and she will really be missed. She had such a warmness about her in working with so many young people at Christ United Methodist Church and also at UMC.
John and Margaret Mason
August 12, 2012
Catherine Womack
Laurie, I wish to thank your mother and father for the gift of you. You are a wonderful friend. I am sorry that your mother has been suffering for so long but am glad she is now at peace. I will pray that God will bless you and your family by holding you his heart and and comforting you in your sorrow.
August 12, 2012
Renee Ledbetter
Dr. Read,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With sympathy, Renee Ledbetter
August 12, 2012
Marcia Moore
To Dr. Dale Read and the whole family,
May the love of God surround you during this time of sorrow. You're in our thoughts and prayers.God Bless You All.
With sympathy, Marcia and Tommie Moore
August 12, 2012
Lisa Cook
Laurie, I never had the privilege of knowing your mother. I can see her love and legacy in your family. Jeff and I pray that your wonderful memories and faith will help guide you through this difficult time. We wish we could be with you to celebrate her life and legacy.
August 12, 2012
Sheila & Bobby Shinkle
Laurie, the whole Bush family is thinking of you and your father, siblings and whole family at this time. We love you and your men-folk and I am so sorry I cannot be there for you.
August 11, 2012
Bob & Sue Jones
Life here is only a doorway which we all must pass through in order to live in eternity in GOD'S presence.
We cherish that life with us, and we celebrate the transition into the presence of ALMIGHTY GOD.
August 11, 2012
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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