VIRGINIA S. MCCOY
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Katherine Virginia Searight McCoy, widow of Kenneth E. McCoy, passed to eternal glory on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021.
Born on March 8, 1926, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Virginia was the youngest of eight children born to Harrison and Agnes Searight. Virginia was just 30 days shy of her 95th birthday.
She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth, in 1995; a son, Edwin; five brothers; and two sisters.
She is survived by three children, Gary (Candy) of Winston-Salem, Dean (Maura) of Pfafftown, North Carolina, and Karen (Glenn) Hesselbart of Sumter; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Virginia graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1943, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She trained as a nurse at Sewickley Valley School of Nursing, graduating in 1947, and used her nursing skills and gift of compassion as she cared for her parents, siblings and others throughout her lifetime. A lifelong Christian, she was active in various ministries throughout her life. The last church she served in Pennsylvania was Mill Creek Presbyterian Church, Hookstown, until she moved to Winston-Salem. She then became active in the women's ministries at Mt. Tabor Methodist Church, Winston-Salem.
Kenneth and Virginia owned and managed McCoy's Orchard in Aliquippa (Raccoon Township) for more than 40 years before Kenneth's death. Customers came from near and far to purchase the peaches, apples and cider from their orchard. Virginia was also an avid gardener, and her rose garden and flowers were beautiful. She was also very talented in sewing, quilting and baking and shared those talents with many people throughout her life.
On a personal note, word on the street is that "Dad" petitioned for, and was granted a nice fertile piece of ground in Heaven - about the same 10-acre farm he had on earth. With the help of his firstborn son, Ed, they have developed the envy of all fruit farms. They have been patiently waiting for "Mom" to take her rightful position at the head of the apple grader / polisher, where she filled bags and boxes of high quality apples here on Earth. Now that Mom has joined them, they will patiently await the time until the rest of the family - Gary, Dean and Karen - join them in that glorious reunion of the old crew that was McCoy's Orchard.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem with Pastor Mark Key officiating. At a later time, a memorial service will also be held at Mill Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Hookstown.
The family would like to extend our personal thanks to the employees and staff at Vienna Village Assisted Living, where Virginia had lived for the last five years. They cared for our mother with compassion, kindness and love, and we truly appreciate you all.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106; Mill Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 5005 Route 151, Hookstown, PA 15050; or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at salemfh.com.