VIRGINIA BOWMAN BLACKBURN, 87, November 9, 1921 December 6, 2008: beautiful and much-loved wife, mother and friend; now safe at home with her Lord Jesus Christ. She will be remembered most for the legacy of faith in God and love for others that she leaves in the hearts of all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nobie Stevens Bowman and Morris Woodson Bowman, and sister Marily Bowman Reid Carrick. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Charles Blanton Blackburn; daughters Lee Blackburn Graham (and son-in-law Dick) of Knoxville, TN and Lisa Gayle (and son-in-law Bill) of Mt. Juliet, TN; grandchildren Rebecca Graham Prater (and husband Brandon) of Lexington, KY; Miriam, Will and Charlie Gayle of Mt. Juliet, TN and Emily McClelland (and husband Kent) of Springfield, TN; nephews Wallace Woodson Reid (and wife Lisa) and Steven Bowman Reid, all of Memphis. Virginia graduated from Central High School in 1938 and attended Texas A&M before enrolling at Memphis State University, where her scholastic achievements and accomplishments in voice and piano brought her many honors. She was May Queen in 1941, Miss Memphis State in 1942, President of the Panhellenic Council and played leading roles in many dramatic and musical productions. She later earned advanced degrees in education, counseling and administration. She taught for many years at The Hutchison School, was Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal at several Memphis City Schools, then served as Principal at Delano School until her retirement in 1984. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Phi Delta Kappa professional organizations. She was a long-time member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church (LeMaster Class) and The King's Daughters (Thalia Circle). A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 9th at 2 PM in the chapel of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, 1750 Union Avenue. There will be a private inurnment at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to MIFA or Idlewild Presbyterian Church. Family Funeral Care 901-761-8000 (Published in The Commercial Appeal on 12/8/2008)