Virginia L. Keys Casey, a longtime resident of Hitchita, died March 9th, 2016 in Tulsa at the age of 83. Virginia was born Oct. 3, 1932 in Hitchita to Charley Gourley and Eunice Cannon.
Virginia grew up in Hitchita and attended school there. She married Paul Keys after high school and they remained married until Paul's death on July 31, 2008. Paul and Virginia operated The Hitchita Corner Store for approximately seven years. Later, Virginia went to work as a nurses aide the Henryetta Hospital where she served faithfully for approximately seven years. After her nursing experience, Virginia attended beauty school in Muskogee and when licensed, opened a hair salon in her home.
Virginia was a member of the Red Hat Society and Volunteers of America. She was a longtime member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Hitchita.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father and four brothers, Carl Gourley, Kenneth Gourley, Ronnie Gourley, and Rocky Gourley; and one sister, Christine Hogan.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Bob Casey of the home; four daughters: Paulette Barnes and husband Richard of Hitchita, Rhonda Bryce and husband Dewayne of Hitchita, Darlene Lemon and husband Chet of Eufaula, and Kandy Lynch and husband Steve of Muskogee; two step-sons: David Casey and wife Margaret of Sperry and Russ Casey of Okmulgee; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; a sister, Carol Howell of Checotah; a brother, Anthony Gourley and wife Devon of Pryor; by numerous nieces and nephews, other extended family and many good friends.
Viewing for Virginia will be held Friday, March 11, 2016 from 1 until 8 p.m. at Integrity Funeral Service in Henryetta.
A funeral service for Virginia will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 2 p.m. at The Freewill Baptist Church of Hitchita with Rev. George Harris officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Lackey Cemetery in Hitchita under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
Pallbearers will be Nakia Barnes, Jimmy Durrett, Wesley Durrett, Rodney Crosby, Kruz Lynch, Chans Anson, Gage Durrett, Gunner Purdon, and Nolan Barnes.