Virginia Finley Whitener

Virginia Finley Whitener, a lifelong resident of Martinsville, Virginia, died peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2013. She was 104. Born on September 5, 1909, Virginia Ann Finley was the youngest daughter of George Martin Finley and May Brown Finley. She was a graduate of Martinsville High School and an honor graduate from Brenau Conservatory in Gainesville, Georgia where she majored in voice. While at Brenau she was president of Alpha Gamma Delta and a member of the National Honorary Music Sorority, Mu Phi Epsilon. After graduating from Brenau she studied voice and dance in New York and later taught dance at the Virginia Finley School of Dance in Martinsville. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir for many years. In 1975, the church presented Virginia with a bronze plaque in appreciation for her contribution to the music of Christ Church. She was also a member of the Charity League, a former member of the Joseph Martin DAR and was the first president of the Colonial Garden Club that later merged with the Garden Study Club. She was a member of a violin ensemble that played on many different occasions in churches, schools and nursing homes. Virginia will be remembered by all who knew her for her love of life, family and friends, her love of music and dance, and her warm vivacious spirit. Mrs. Whitener was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Kenneth Whitener, Sr. in 1974 and a son, Harry Kenneth Whitener, Jr.; her sisters, Mary Finley Schottland, Ellen Finley Andrews and Katherine Finley Fagg; She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Fred L. Glaize, III of Winchester, Virginia; four grandchildren, Finley Glaize Kuhner (Kevin), Carter Glaize Brown (Cole), Elizabeth Glaize Carr (J.P.) and Harry Kenneth Whitener, III (Jill); nine great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church with Father Roy Pollina officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 311 East Church St., Martinsville, VA 24112. Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville. To express condolences on line, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartisnville.com.