Virginia Pierce Sporl

Virginia Pierce Sexton Sporl passed away peacefully after a short illness on March 5, 2011. Virginia was born June 17, 1909 in Pittsburgh, PA to Mary Knake Pierce and Rodman P. Pierce. She was raised in Birmingham, AL. the second oldest of five children, four girls and one boy, and is survived by her youngest sister Elizabeth Pierce Randal of Florida. She worked in the retail industry in Pittsburg, PA. and New York, NY and was selected to host Charles Lindbergh when he visited Pittsburgh for “Lindbergh Day� August 3, 1927. Virginia married G. Stuart Sexton in New York City in 1941. The couple moved to Louisville, KY in 1950 where she volunteered as a Gray Lady for the American Red Cross. The couple moved to Darien, CT in 1960 and to Bryn Mawr, PA in 1967. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. In 1984, Virginia married Cyprian A. Sporl, Jr., a native of New Orleanian, and began her life in New Orleans. She continued her lifelong love of golf at NOCC with the 18holers. After being widowed in 1999, she moved to Lambeth House in 2005. She is survived by her sister, her daughter Sandra Sexton Ferrel (Brian), three grand children; Jennifer Bollinger Conway (Rick), Susan Ferrel Duarte (Garrett) and John Brian Ferrel, Jr. (Kim), five great grandsons; Ross Thomas Bollinger, John Parker Bollinger, Garrett Berry Duarte, Jackson Henry Duarte and John Brian Ferrel III (Trey); and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Lambeth House provided Virginia with the opportunity to live independently for 6 years filled with kindness, entertainment and love and we her family, wish to thank them. A celebration mass will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 631 State Street. A reception will follow at Lambeth House. In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 401 Whitney Ave., Gretna, LA 70056. A private interment will be held at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Maryland this summer. Please visit and sign the family guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.