Virginia Ann Hammerschmidt

Virginia Ann (Sharp) Hammerschmidt, 77, died January 2, 2006, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Mo., with her husband and her son at her bedside. She was born in Bellefonte, Arkansas, on February 11, 1928, to John Bascom and Ethel Brown Sharp. Survivors include her husband, John Paul Hammerschmidt, of the home son, John Arthur Hammerschmidt of Arlington, Va. sister-in-laws, Imogene Hammerschmidt of Harrison and Maxine Sharp of Odessa, Texas nephews, Bob Hammerschmidt and wife, Melinda of Springfield, Mo. Mitchell Sharp Jr. and wife, Linda of Austin, Texas John Sharp of Webb City, Mo. Mike Masterson of Fayetteville, Ark. Grant Masterson of Streetman, Texas, and wife, Diana Paul Causey of Fort Worth, Texas nieces, Beth Nixon and husband, Allen of Jonesboro, Ark. Susan Hammerschmidt of Bedford, Texas Becky Widner of Odessa, Texas, and Gaye Lindberg of Sherwood, Ark. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, John and Ethel Sharp a brother, Mitchell Sharp a brother, Lecester Sharp and his wife, Charlene. Virginia, known affectionately as "Ginny," grew up on a farm near Bellefonte. The farm had been in her pioneer family since the 1800s and the title to the property was a Land Patent signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Virginia was young when her loving mother passed away and she was then raised largely by her father with support from her two older brothers. From an early age on the farm, she always had a fondness for cats. She was a graduate of Bellefonte High School and attended college at Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in Conway, Ark., and Arkansas Tech College in Russellville, Ark. Virginia was united in marriage to her husband of 58 years, John Paul, at the First Presbyterian Church in Harrison. She was an active church member and along with her husband was a sponsor of the Presbyterian Senior Youth Fellowship. She was formerly a Cub Scout den mother a member of Chapter H, P.E.O. and an early member of the Chi Sigma Sorority in Harrison. While continuing to maintain a home in Harrison, she moved to Washington, D.C. in 1967 when her husband was elected to the United States Congress. While there for about 30 years she enjoyed being an active member of the Arkansas State Society and the congressional wives club, the Congressional Club. Through those years she attended many White House functions, Inaugurations, State of the Union Addresses and other official activities. She was a charter member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. Virginia loved the Washington scene. She zipped all over town in her little black Honda. She loved showing visitors the interesting and historic spots in the city. Her favorites were showing people the Washington National Cathedral and the National Gallery of Art. Virginia also traveled to many countries throughout the world with her husband and met with many foreign leaders. She always said that one of the most memorable was President Anwar Sadat of Egypt who she met shortly before his historic trip to Israel to address the Knesset in Jerusalem in 1977. After John Paul retired from Congress, they moved back to their home in Harrison and continued to enjoy old friendships and activities which they had missed for almost 30 years. Even though their son continued to reside in the Washington, D.C., area, Virginia always felt like she wanted to be close to her roots and old friends. Although she's been battling cancer for nine years, she has had many enjoyable times with her longtime friends. Unfortunately, many of her close friends have gone on before her. But she always remembered in a kind way not only those who are still here but also those already departed with great joy. Virginia was such a gentle, kind soul. She never sought attention and would always put others before herself. Her overflowing love and care for her family could only be surpassed by their overflowing love for her. She will be missed immeasurably. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2006, at the First Presbyterian Church in Harrison, Ark., under the direction of Christeson Funeral Home, with the Reverend Dr. Herbert B. Anderson of Naples, Florida, the Reverend J. Russell Skorburg of Rockford, Ill., and the Reverend Gail Perkins officiating. Visitation will be 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 8, at Christeson Funeral Home. Interment is in Maplewood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Larry Brandt, Ken Reeves, David Morton, Ken Savells, Frank Conner and Ernie Young. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 111 Spring Street, Harrison, AR, or the North Arkansas College Foundation, 1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, AR, or memorial of choice.