Virginia Lee Gary Elliott, affectionately known as "Jenny," passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the age of 97. She spent her final years following a long and fulfilling life marked by love, family, friendship, and quiet grace.
Born prematurely at home on North Main Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jenny was the youngest of five children of Hugh Lee Gary and Anna Belle Gary (Lancaster). Her father was a grocer and owned a neighborhood store. Growing up, she was surrounded by her siblings-Hubert Lee (1913), Richard Augustus (1915), Anna Lou (1922), and Martha Jean (1924)-all of whom graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa.
Following her own graduation from Will Rogers High School, Jenny began working at Bell Telephone in Tulsa, thanks to a connection from her brother Richard, who also worked there. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Earl Elliott, through mutual friends at Boston Avenue Methodist Church. Their first date was a blind date, and it blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were married on July 26, 1952, at the church, with Reverend Dr. Paul Gallaway officiating.
Jenny and Bob were devoted parents to two children: Paula Elaine, born in November 1953, and Forrest Earl, born in April 1957. Once her children were in school, Jenny gave her time as a volunteer "Candy Striper" at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, reflecting her lifelong spirit of service.
A talented and creative homemaker, Jenny enjoyed sewing and often made clothing for herself and others. She cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Her daughter Paula is the mother of one daughter, Jennifer Lauren Egloff (Fisher), and Jennifer is the proud mother of one son, James Bohannon, Jenny's great-grandson.
In 1992, Jenny and Bob celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a joyful gathering of family and friends atop the Petroleum Building in Midland, Texas. While living in Midland, Jenny was also active in her community and served a term as president of the local garden club. She and Bob were longtime members of First Methodist Midland.
In 2013, Jenny moved to Montereau, an independent living facility in Tulsa, where she spent over a decade enjoying the company of close friends. Most afternoons, she could be found visiting in the front lobby, sharing stories and laughter. A firm believer in the importance of staying active, Jenny exercised regularly, riding her stationary bike and then attending fitness classes at the Health Zone in Tulsa.
Virginia will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, beside her beloved husband Robert Earl and her mother Anna Belle. Also buried in the Gary family plot in Section 6 are her siblings Richard Augustus and Anna Lou.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; and her siblings Hubert, Richard, Anna Lou, and Martha Jean.
A celebration of Jenny's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel.
Arrangements and services are under the direction of Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145. 918-663-2233.
www.moorefuneral.com
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