Virgie Cone

Most of the girls will remember Virgie Cone who was the Dean of Girls during our years at Lee.  In later years, Mrs. Cone kept up with former Lee students via e-mail.  She celebrated her 100th birthday in September of 2008 and passed away a few days later.  On this page are pictures from her 100th birthday and e-mails from Jackie Tyler Davis (Class of 1956) about Mrs. Cone. 

Do you remember how old Mrs. Cone seemed when we were in high school?  Guess what?  She was only 51 when we graduated.  Strange how time changes one's perspectives about age.

Ed Cone lighting candle on Virgie Cone's 100th birthday cake

Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 13:05:55 EDT
Subject: Virgie Cone's 100th Birthday Celebration... 

Virgie looked wonderful and she had a lot of fun at her 100th Birthday Celebration.  Pat McNamara Johnson, Esther Ellis Brandt and I drove up to spend those wonderful three hours with her and it was a trip and time very well spent.  She was very happy to see us -- her doctor came as well and assured all that she is doing just great and said that she was a huge inspiration to everyone with whom she came in contact.  From the doctors, nurses, rehab technicians -- everyone, and even to his very own Dad who has had some health problems.

 

I have to share one little item that was so hysterical to me.  Virgie's lovely granddaughter "told" her to go out into the lobby of Virgie's retirement home so that the photographer that was hired for the occasion could take some more "formal" family portraits -- away from all the other guests and non-professional backgrounds.  Virgie said "No, I'm NOT going out there -- I refuse to have my picture taken "out there" -- that's where all the "old people" go and sit everyday, all day and don't do anything else --  I don't want my picture taken sitting out there"...so to me that says -- you may be turning 100 on a given day, but it's up to you if you're going to consider yourself "old" or not -- Virgie is NOT OLD!!  (I believe there's a lesson for all of us in there -- all of us!)  She still has a marvelous sense of humor and if all our minds were as sharp as hers still is, we'd all have no complaints in the world.

 

The only reason she's in that motorized wheelchair (she told me this years ago) is that when her knees started to "go bad" on her years ago, she opted to NOT have the surgery because she never expected to live this long!  So, the lesson I'm taking from her on that one is that when the doctor says something needs replacing -- I'm replacing it -- even if I die the next day, because I could live to be 100 too, and don't want to have any regrets about not having done it.

 

I've attached a very few of the pictures that Esther took at the celebration.

 

Ms. Jackie Tyler Davis, Secretary
Class of 1956 Reunion Committee

 

In a message dated 9/14/2008, Jackie Tyler Davis writes:

 

Here is an e-mail  I never wanted to have to send.  I can't tell you how thankful I am that Pat, Esther and I made the trip for her Big Day.  We have all lost a precious and wonderful friend and role model. 

 

Virgie got her wish -- she only asked to make it until her 100th birthday -- she and the Big Guy were very close and He granted her wish and gave her a little more to remember and cherish that day.  Her friendship was one of the biggest blessings of my life and she will always be remembered with great respect and love.

 

Jackie Tyler Davis, Secretary
Robert E. Lee Class of 1956

 

 

 

Message from Ed Cone, Virgie Cone’s son:

 

Jackie:

 

Mother passed on last night is comfortably in the arms of her Lord.

 

She asked that there be no funeral services because she felt that her 100th birthday party was the greatest tribute to her that anyone could do.  She was very grateful for all the friends and relatives who attended and also for the many who expressed best wishes in other ways.  You and your group were especially appreciated.  I will send you some photos of the party that I know you will appreciate.

 

Her goal was to reach 100 and have the 100th party.  She met her goal and passed on quickly.  She was a class act from beginning to the very end.

 

Bless You All

Ed

 

Ann and Ed Cone with Virgie

Virgie Cone with great grandchildren

Virgie Cone with Jackie Tyler Davis

Virgie Cone with Lee Class of 1956 alums