Virginia Parks Souther

Mrs. Virginia Parks Souther of Hillside Drive, Gainesville died Tuesday January 2, 2007 at her residence. She was a career woman, dedicated homemaker and distinguished local civic leader.

Born in 1919, Mrs. Souther was a lifelong Gainesville resident. She survived the great 1936 tornado, which struck her home directly. She attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, before graduating with honors from the University of Georgia in 1941 with a B.S. in Home Economics.

In addition to her many years as a homemaker, Mrs. Souther served 15 years with the Hall County Department of Family Children Services, first as a caseworker and ultimately as director. She also served on the Professional Advisory Committee of North District Home Health Agency, the Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce, and Ninth District Georgia County Welfare Association.

In addition to her professional career, she was a member of the Dogwood Garden Club, Tallulah Falls Study Club, Gainesville Federated Music Club, Northeast Georgia History Center, and Northeast Georgia Medical Auxilliary, and served as director of the Pilot Club. She was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Open Door Sunday School Class.

Mrs. Souther was married to the late John Paul Souther, Ret. Lt. Col. U.S. Army, with whom she celebrated 65 years of marriage until his death four months ago. She is survived by a son, William Parks Souther and his wife Sandra Gilmer Souther , and a daughter, Lynn Souther Godshall and her husband Jacob William Godshall, of Atlanta. She is also survived by a grandson, Jonathan Mark Souther of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and his wife Stacey Sue Souther. Mrs. Souther was the only child of Roy Webb and Edith Garrett Parks of Gainesville. Mrs. Souther is also survived by several cousins.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Open Door Sunday School Class and Friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, N.E., Gainesville, GA 30506, or the Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy Street,N.E., Gainesville, GA 30501.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Jan. 5,2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Alta Vista Cemetery. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Dr. Hugh Cauthen and Dr. Terry Walton will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the gathering room.

Mason & Ward Funeral Home, 1190 McEver Road, Gainesville, GA. 770-287-0220.