Virginia Lou Brazil

Our family was blessed on November 12, 1937, with the birth of Virginia Williams at home in Evening Shade, Arkansas. She spent her early years in Cave City, Arkansas, before her family moved to Richmond, California, where her father was a welder at Kaiser Shipyard during the War. After a brief return to Arkansas, the family eventually returned and settled in Armona, California.

In Armona, Virginia formed lifelong friendships, cherishing many shared memories of coastal trips, lunches, and bingo games that lasted until the passing of her dear friends. Mom met her high school sweetheart Tony Brazil and they married on August 14, 1954, making their home on the dairy, where they built a life together. Virginia and Tony shared 68 years of marriage and raised six children together.

Virginia Brazil was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tony Brazil, and her cherished daughter, Lori Brazil Paulo. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Robert Earl and Lela Kunkel Williams; her parents-in-law, Antonio and Jennie Mattos Brazil; her uncle, Joe Brazil; her infant brother-in-law, Eddy; her brother-in-law, Jim Duncan; her brother- and sister-in-law, John and Adeline Montgomery; and Tony and Mary Semas.

Virginia is survived by her loving family: her daughters, Ronda (Phil) Brooks, Michelle (Eric) Oxley, and Kelly (Greg) Yeary; her sons, Anthony Brazil and Bob (Stacey) Brazil; and her son-in-law, Bud Paulo. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Duncan; her brother, Jim Williams; and her brother- and sister-in-law, John and Lena Semas. Virginia leaves behind a legacy of love in her 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own children.

Virginia Brazil lived a life rich with purpose, creativity, and love. Hers was a life filled with many events, many talents, and an unwavering devotion to family and community. Truly, there was nothing Virginia couldn't do.

Virginia gave generously of her time and heart. She was a proud member of the Kit Carson PTA, a teacher's aide, a 4-H leader, and a dedicated softball coach. She bowled on two bowling leagues, taught catechism, and supported countless young people with encouragement and steady guidance. At home, she lovingly sewed her daughters' clothing occasionally cutting their bangs a little too short, a memory now treasured with laughter and love.

Her creativity seemed endless. Virginia painted the ceramics she made, crocheted and macraméed beautiful pieces, crafted epoxy grapes and plaster-of-Paris décor, wallpapered and stenciled numerous people's homes, and brought beauty wherever she went. She painted oil paintings of barns, her grandparents, and her mother, preserving memories with brush and color. A gifted knitter, she belonged to a knitting club and created what many remembered as the most beautiful coat.

For 20 years, Virginia worked alongside her daughter Kelly in their business, Me N Ma's. Virginia carefully cut out wooden items, and together she and Kelly painted them. Their shop became a beloved gathering place, hosting an annual boutique and participating in the Calico Festival and the Downtown Hanford Antique Show. Virginia's love for antiques was lifelong she worked at several antique stores, retired, and then happily returned to the world she adored once again.

An avid reader, Virginia loved books so much it seemed there wasn't a single one she hadn't read. She cherished lunch engagements with friends and delighted in coastal trips filled with laughter and companionship. She traveled often, enjoying a few cruises and annual trips with her daughters, sister Barbara Jean and Nieces to Reno, Morro Bay, Oregon and Olympia WA. She visited Waco TX, Amish Country and Wyoming also.

Above all else, Virginia's life was devoted to raising her children, grandchildren, and many others in the family she loved so deeply. A fifth-generation Queen, she adored her babies and often worried she might not be able to see them grow up a testament to how fiercely she loved. She was blessed with six great-great-grandchildren, each one a source of immeasurable pride and joy.

Virginia never turned her head away from a problem. One way or another, it would be resolved. She could be vocal, or she might write a letter and if you received a letter, you knew she meant business. Virginia was usually right, and there was no use arguing. Yet all of it came from a place of integrity, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility for what was fair and right.

Our mom's greatest wish was simple and profound: that all of her family would get along no arguing, no fighting stay in touch, love one another, and help each other always.

Virginia Brazil leaves behind a legacy of strength, creativity, determination, and unconditional love. Her hands created beauty, her voice brought change, and her heart held generations together. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Rosary will be held Thursday January 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St Brigid Church followed by Mass at 10:30 AM with Burial to followed at Calvary cemetery.