Virginia Ward Keith died May 27, 2022, surrounded by family, at home in Foley, Al, due to complications of COPD and a recent cancer diagnosis. She was a former member of Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, MS. Born August 18, 1933 in Okolona, MS, to Howard Bennett Ward and Grace Brown Ward, her father's occupation required frequent moves throughout the South; despite the challenges, she was able to excel and graduate a year early from Petal High School as valedictorian. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a double major in English and Chemistry, she began working directly for pioneering surgeon Dr. James D. Hardy, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from it's inception in 1955; in her forty year career at UMMC, Virginia assisted in the research of the first lung transplant and first heart transplant, and also edited hundreds of book chapters and papers directly associated with the UMMC Department of Surgery. Upon retirement, her lifelong love of books led to her title of Honorary Librarian of the James D. Hardy Memorial Library at UMMC. Married to Joseph Keith, Jr in 1960, the couple had two sons. Preceding Virginia in death were her parents; husband Joseph; brother Howard; and beloved son, Joseph Barksdale Keith III (Joey). Survivors include; one son, Kevin Ward Keith; granddaughter, Kennedy Grace Keith; numerous nieces and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 2, from 5pm to 7pm, and Friday June 3, from 10am until the service at 11am in Lakewood Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Virginia's favorite charities: the VFW, Boys Town, and the St. Joseph Indian School.
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