Virginia Irene Underwood Gilbert

Virginia Irene Underwood Gilbert, 81 passed peacefully October 2, 2021 after battling a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. She fought a courageous battle with grace and dignity knowing her days ahead would be shortened by the disease.

Virginia was born on August 12, 1940 in Pineville, West Virginia to Raymond Lee and Ruth Elizabeth Underwood. Growing up in West Virginia she attended Pineville High School and Graduated in 1958. While in High School she met the love of her life Henry A. Gilbert, a young radio disk jockey whom she married. During their 41 years of marriage they had three children, Lea Ann, David and Mark, and one grandchild Katie who brought her more joy than life itself.

Virginia graduated from Nursing school in 1969 and worked in hospitals for over 30 years. She was described as a dedicated and caring nurse by her colleagues and could always find the vein for that IV! She was ecstatic to learn her only grand daughter would follow in her footsteps.

Virginia had 4 brothers and a sister whom she dearly loved. She truly cherished the time she got to spend with them. She was preceded in death by her older twin brothers Harvey and Grady and her younger sister Karen. Brother Russ Underwood resides in Brunswick Georgia and brother Steve Underwood lives in Brooksville Florida.

Virginia was preceded in death by her oldest daughter Lea Ann and her husband Henry.

While Virginia didn’t possess one athletic bone in her body she later in life became a huge LA Lakers fan and loved to call and talk about how Kobe Bryant played.

The joy of Virginia’s life was her granddaughter Katie. Virginia’s last wish was to see her graduate from nursing school and thanks to the JMU school of nursing they held an impromptu early graduation just for her so Virginia could see her wish come true.

She will be dearly missed.

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 3, 3031 5-8 PM at her son’s house.