Virginia Morris Smith, 84, died on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from Fatty Emboli Syndrome, a rare complication of a routine hip replacement surgery that causes massive brain trauma. Virginia was born January 22, 1926 in Lyons, Colorado and grew up in the Denver area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Denver University and became a first-grade teacher. Married to Wayne Smith in 1949, they moved to Northern Virginia in 1950 where they made their home with their five children. In the early 1980's, Virginia embarked upon a 26-year career as a substitute in the Fairfax County schools until retiring at age 82. After retirement, she tutored children at Stanton Elementary School in the Anacostia neighborhood of the District of Columbia. Throughout her life, Virginia was involved as a volunteer with many organizations and schools in the community. She was a lifelong and dedicated member of the Girl Scouts of America. In 1996, the Rotary Club of McLean honored her with the Senior Citizen Award for Club Institutional Service in recognition of her work with scouting. Virginia also volunteered for several decades at the Falls Church/McLean Childrens Center where her animated and enthusiastic reading was enjoyed by generations of children. On Election Day, Virginia could always be found at the McLean High School polling station where she volunteered for over 40 years as an ardent Democrat. Virginia was also a member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, honoring her husband's WWII service. Virginia's inquisitive and adventurous spirit took her traveling around the world. One year she helped chaperone a group of sixth graders traveling on an exchange program to Russia. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Wayne A. Smith. Survivors include her five children; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; three brothers; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Virginia was the daughter of Guy Randolph Morris & Carolyn (Drew) Morris.