Virginia Wynona Cooley

Virginia Wynona Stott Cooley, 101, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 9, 2012. Born January 15, 1911 in Canton, Oklahoma to Frank and Ethel Stott, she was named after an Indian friend of her father's. Following high school, she received a typing scholarship and graduated from business college in 1929. She married Joe Cooley August 12, 1933, and they had a wonderful, happy life together for 55 years. They moved from Borger to Abilene in 1950. Virginia enjoyed playing bridge, square dancing, working in her yard, and playing hymns on her organ. She was a member of First Christian Church in Abilene for 60 years, where for many years she played piano in the children's building. This was a prelude to the music she will enjoy in heaven. Additionally, she volunteered at the West Texas Rehab Center and supported many local activities. She enjoyed occasional temporary secretarial work, but her greatest role was a homemaker. Countless happy times were spent at the family cabin on Lake Brownwood with friends, family, fried chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad and peach cobbler. Until her eyesight began to fail, she was an avid reader, game player and quite knowledgeable on current events and local happenings. After retirement, Virginia and her husband spent winters in the Valley and much of summer in Colorado "airstreaming" where they met many friends. Virginia, aka "Mamaw", is survived by two children, Linda Cooley Boyd of Abilene and Joe Paul Cooley and wife Pat of Houston; six grandchildren: Kim Whitehead and husband Shayne of Dallas, Kristi Goldenberg and husband Adam of Dallas, Dr. Joe Cooley and wife Cari of Tyler, Dr. Chet Cooley and wife Ashley of Tyler, Ty Cooley and wife Carolyn of Katy, and Blake Cooley and wife Karmen of San Marcos; 17 great-grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Jess Stott. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at First Christian Church, followed by a private family graveside at Elmwood Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Friday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Virginia's caregivers and friends who lovingly cared for her during her last few years. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to First Christian Church, 1420 North 3rd, Abilene, Texas 79601; or to the charity of your choice.