Virginia Harpole

Mrs. Virginia Harpole, 92, of Jonesboro, a former long-time resident of Blytheville, died Monday, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was the widow of Ben Ward Harpole,Jr. who preceded her in death in 1989.

Born in Trenton, Tennessee, the daughter of Cornelius and Bertie Wharey Lemond, she was the first drum majorette at Trenton High School. Soon after graduating high school, she married and moved to Blytheville with her husband who was in the cotton and farming business. She was the bookkeeper for the family business for many years.

Mrs. Harpole joined the Blytheville First Christian Church in July, 1938; she was a member of the Jr. Auxiliary, the PEO, and several bridge clubs. She was well-known for her beautiful flower gardens and she loved to watch the birds that she fed and watered - hummingbirds, martins, cardinals, among others. Her home was beautifully decorated and at Christmas time, every room in her house was exquisite! Her expertise as a seamstress was shown in the lovely garments she made for herself and her daughter. Gorgeous needlepoint and cross stitching were among her accomplishments. She loved cooking and was famous for her divinity, her date rolls and her fruit cake cookies. She was the supreme homemaker!

Virginia traveled extensively throughout her lifetime. She was always ready to go! She went on trips with the Jr. Auxiliary, the church and with college groups.

She also enjoyed sports. She played tennis until her knees prevented her from doing so. She was an avid Razorback and Cardinal fan. She never missed a Razorback game, and rarely missed a Cardinal game.

After living in Blytheville for almost 65 years, she moved to Jonesboro eight years ago, but came back to Blytheville almost every week to get her hair done and to play bridge.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Lucy Harpole.

She is survived by a son, Ben Ward Harpole, III from Sioux Falls, South Dakota; a daughter, Mamie Virginia "Ginger" Harpole from Tucson, Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews; and a tremendous host of friends.

The world is a better place because of this lovely lady.

Visitation will be Thursday morning from 10 until 11 at First Christian Church in Blytheville. Funeral service will be at 11:00 at first Christian Church with Dr. Tommy J. Carney officiating.

First Christian Church is located at 600 W. Main St. Coming from Memphis, take the first Blytheville exit (there are only two), go north (right) on 61 (Or Division - same street) and go to Main street, turn right for several blocks. Church is on left. Parking is on side and back of church.

Coming from Missouri; Take the first Blytheville exit; go left on Main Street. Go all the way through town, Church is on right side of street.

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