Virginia Powell Reid

Virginia Powell Reid was born November 21, 1921, in Louisville, KY, and died peacefully at home February 4, 2022, in Ocala, Florida, wrapped in the love of her family. Virginia lived, loved, and laughed for the 100 years of her amazing life well lived. She excelled in every aspect. After graduating as valedictorian from Science Hill Academy, Virginia was offered a full scholarship to Wellesley College and University of Louisville. She chose to attend University of Louisville, and it was there she met and married Harry G. Reid, the love of her life until he passed away in 2001. She would laughingly tell you that it was his yellow Packard convertible that first caught her eye. Harry completed his Doctor of Medicine degree and Virginia completed her Master’s degree in English literature.

Harry and Virginia moved to Miami, FL in 1953 where they raised their 4 children. She was particularly proud of the strong love her children have for each other. During their 40+ years in Miami, Virginia was active in her children’s schools and activities, her church, and community organizations. Harry and Virginia retired to the Lake Mary area in 1993 and enjoyed travelling, family, and friends, They were active members of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Mary. After Harry’s death Virginia became a regular at both the Sanford and Lake Mary Senior Centers where she was a vibrant participant in daily Zumba, line dance, and board games with her treasured friends there. She continued to enjoy her church and PEO families.

She is survived and celebrated by her daughter Linda Church, Seattle, WA; daughter Kathy Richardson (Lynn), Ocala, FL; son Harry Reid III (Susie), Sorrento, FL; daughter Carolyn Sloate (Steve), Durham, NC. Her grandchildren Harry IV Reid (Judi), Christine DiMatteo (Tony), Melinda Anderson (Ryan), Heather Schneider (Justin), Katie Church, Philip Sloate, and Kyle Kirkland (Rob) have such wonderful memories of “Grandma’s” total love and support. Her great grandchildren: K.J., Jessica, Colton, Kendall, Carlee, Hazel, John, Waker, Hannah, Grayson, Heinrich, Evander, Leon, Palmer, Alexa (Blake), Esten (Jaclyn), MacKenzie, Connor, Nick (Breanna), Lexie, and her great-great grandchildren; Autumn, Tobyn, Sloan, Landon, and Cameryn have had the rare opportunity to experience her total devotion and love.

Virginia instilled a zest for life in all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a “doer” who gathered friends during every season of her life: as a college sorority (Pi Beta Phi) member/president, an army wife, a Sunday school teacher, PTA president, Dade County Medical Auxiliary President all the way into her 80’s and 90’s as a church member, PEO member, and lively participant at the senior centers. Her enthusiasm for new adventures and experiences (zip lining, indoor sky diving, bungee jumping in her 90’s) her positive outlook, her sense of humor, and her pragmatic strength have made all of us better by her example. Our new mantra is “Live Like Grandma”: see the good, be positive, be kind, be appreciative, be resilient, and if you have the choice to sit it out or dance…dance!

An intimate graveside celebration of her extraordinary life will be held February 26,2022, 2:00 pm, at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Cemetery, Lake Mary, FL. In lieu of flowers, Virginia would be honored if you donated to the church of your choice, or to Hospice of Marion County.

We are at peace because we know she is at peace. “All Is Well With Her Soul”. As a woman of strong faith, she lived the words of one of her favorite Bible verses, 1 Corinthians 13:13, ”And now these three remain: faith hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.”