Virginia DeBrocke
Virginia Varnell DeBrocke, of Signal Mountain, died at home on September 27, 2016, a month shy of her 95th birthday.
She was born in Chattanooga, October 25, 1921. She attended Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Continuing an old southern tradition she was presented at the 1940 Cotton Ball. After transferring to UC (now UTC), she graduated earning a Bachelor of Music degree, with a major in piano and voice. While at UC she was president of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women and voted “most popular girl on campus” in 1942.
After graduation she volunteered as a nurse’s aide at an army hospital in Memphis and met her future husband, Bill, who was recuperating from chest wounds he received fighting on Guam. She was well suited for the role of an army officer’s wife; she loved to travel and entertain. After retirement they moved to Signal Mountain, joining community activities while continuing to enjoy cruises and travels to Europe, South America and the Orient.
Music was a passion of hers though out her life. She was a member of the Signal Mountain Glee Club and sang with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Chorus. Choirs of First Centenary and Signal Crest United Methodist Churches also enjoyed her devotion for a combined total of 38 years.
Virginia served on several civic boards including a long term on the Salvation Army Board. She was also interested in drama, performing in many Oak Street Playhouse productions staged in the Flo Summit Theater, which was named for her sister.
An active member of the Garden Club of Signal Mountain for over 40 years, Virginia served as club president and held district chairmanships and state offices in the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs. She enjoyed traveling to garden club conventions and conservation camps with her daughter, Anne, who inherited her enthusiasm for such activities. One highlight of their gardening tours was a 1999 trip to the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
Virginia will be remembered for her lively spirit and her “never met a stranger” attitude. Her friendliness was apparent to all and always wanting to help out, her name was often at the top of any volunteer list. She was a devoted wife, proud mother, cherished friend, good cook, gracious hostess, eager traveler and lived her life to the fullest.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester C. and Lorine W. Varnell, her brother, Chester Varnell, Jr., of Chattanooga, her sister, Flo Summitt and her husband of 67 years, Bill DeBrocke, of Signal Mountain.
She is survived by her daughter, Anne (Bill) Leonard; grandson, David (Mardi) Leonard and granddaughter Karen Leonard, of Signal Mountain; great-grandchildren, Jillian and Spencer Leonard, Ethan Davidson and Mahala Broetzmann; brother-in-law, Judge Robert M. Summitt, of Signal Mountain; nieces, Peggy (Gary) Allumbaugh, of Atlanta, Patty (Jim) Spencer, of Charlotte, NC, Libby (David) Patten, of Chattanooga, Virginia Anne (Hugh) Sharber, of Chattanooga and Laura (Doug) Stephens of Signal Mountain: nephews, Greg DeBrocke, of Cartersville, Ga., Robert Summitt, of Dalton, Ga., Martin (Meghan) Summitt, of Chattanooga; cousins, Clay (Evelyn) Davis, of Signal Mountain and Marjorie Nodine, of Danbury, Conn.; and several great nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express a special note of appreciation to Katy Loyd, RN and the fine care givers of Avalon Hospice.
Visitation will be at Signal Crest United Methodist Church, 1005 Ridgeway Ave., Signal Mountain, on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. preceding a memorial service at 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Signal Mountain Beautification Fund - Marilyn Garner, 206 Palisades Dr., Signal Mtn. TN 37377; Signal Crest UMC Choir, Allan Ledford, 1005 Ridgeway Ave., Signal Mtn. TN 37377; McCoy Farm and Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
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Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415. 423-877-3524.