Virginia Burgess Newcomb
Virginia Ann Burgess Newcomb entered into eternal rest on November 25, 2025.
Born May 25, 1934, in Eagle Rock, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late George Grafflin Burgess and Catherine Virginia Zimmerman Burgess. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Wilbur Lee Newcomb; dear brother, George Grafflin Burgess Jr.; loving sister, Ellen Jane Burgess Fulton; nieces Catherine Lucille Fulton and Geneva Fulton Gibson; brother-in-law Sonny Craft; sister-in-law Barbara Ferrence Burgess of Haymarket; and sister-in-law Phyllis Newcomb Alexander of Eagle Rock.
She is survived by her sisters Betty Burgess Wright of Eagle Rock, Patsy Burgess Craft of Iron Gate, and Kitty Burgess Bryant and Danny Bryant of Eagle Rock; her brother-in-law Clayton Alexander of Eagle Rock; along with many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, and special friends.
Growing up in a Christian home, along with the teachings of the Eagle Rock Methodist Church, Virginia learned early the value of faith, family, and friends. Her faith in God and the love and support of those around her carried her throughout her life.
After marrying and moving to Daleville in 1960, she and her husband attended and supported the Daleville Church of the Brethren. Following Wilbur’s passing, Virginia returned to her childhood church, attending and supporting Eagle Rock United Methodist Church until the time of her death.
Virginia’s love for children led her into the field of education. She attended Longwood College, earning her BS in Elementary Education in 1955, and spent the next 34 years teaching in the Roanoke City Public Schools.
After retiring in 1989, Virginia became an active member of the Roanoke City Retired Teachers’ Association and a life member of the Virginia Retired Teachers’ Association, dedicating her efforts to improving benefits for retired teachers.
Retirement allowed Virginia and Wilbur more time to enjoy family, traveling, camping, boating, and their individual interests. While Wilbur researched and mapped properties in the Eagle Rock area, Virginia pursued her love of making greeting cards and writing poetry. She later created a memory book of her poems and reflections. She also enjoyed golf and was an active member of the BCC Ladies Golf Association in the 1990s.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, the 29th, at Rader Funeral Home from 2 to 3 p.m., with a chapel service to follow. The casket will remain closed during the visitation and service. Pastors Robert McRae and Ray Sandifer will be officiating.
The burial will take place at Eagle Rock Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to Eagle Rock United Methodist Church, PO Box 85, Eagle Rock, VA 24085; Daleville Church of the Brethren, PO Box 85, Daleville, VA 24083; or The Rescue Mission, PO Box 11525, Roanoke, VA 24022.
