Virginia B. Early

Virginia B. Utz Early

Virginia B. Utz Early died on Monday, October 17, 2011, at Dogwood Village in Orange, Virginia, surrounded by her family. Virginia was born on January 22, 1920, in Madison County, Virginia, the daughter of B.S. Utz and Emma Clore Utz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Utz Earhart. She was married for sixty-eight years to the late Dr. James Banks Early Jr., who practiced dentistry in Madison for almost fifty years. She is survived by four sons, James Banks Early III and his wife, Nancy, of Williamsburg, Virginia, Ronald Benjamin Early of Midlothian, Virginia, Thomas Stephen Early and his wife, Ellen, of Madison, Virginia, and Jeffrey Clore Early and his wife, Eileen, of Madison, Virginia; seven grandchildren, James B. Early IV, Shannon E. Johnston, Jill E. Norris, Ronald B. Early II, Mary H. Early, Sarah O. Early and Mary E. Early; one nephew, Christopher C. Earhart and his wife, Becky, of Verona, Virginia; and four great-grandchildren. Virginia attended William and Mary College before marrying and making Madison her lifetime home. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and enjoyed being with her family and friends. Virginia was a long-time member of the Madison United Methodist Church and the Madison Garden Club where her flower arranging became an art as well as a hobby. Virginia dedicated her life to her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother who will leave a huge void in her family and will be missed very much. The family expresses its heartfelt thanks to the staff at Dogwood Village of Orange County. Additionally, to Cheryl Long and Margaret Ward for many years of loving and dedicated care; your patience and diligence was much appreciated. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2011, at the Madison United Methodist Church conducted by the Reverend Stephen P. King. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Madison Methodist Church, P.O. Box 383, Madison, VA 22727.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.