Virginia “Ginny” B. Wylie de Leon, 82 years of age, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, in Springfield, MO. She was born on September 24, 1933, in Montgomery, AL, to Dr. James Warren and Lois Elizabeth (Burdette) Bickerstaff. She married the love of her life, Lieutenant Commander John Thomas, United States Navy, whom she met while they both were attending the University of Chicago.
Ginny resided in Chicago, then moved to Sullivan, MO, to raise her family on Wolff Run. In later years, she resided in Bowling Green, KY, until the last few months when she resided in Springfield, MO, to be close to her sons and their families. She was a teacher’s aide in the Sullivan Public School system for several years. Before retiring, Ginny was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She loved playing Scrabble, was an avid reader, and enjoyed playing slot machines whether it was in Las Vegas or the nearest Casino. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family. Ginny was a survivor of polio that she contracted when younger, however, this did not stop her from doing whatever she wanted to do. She was known to be small in stature, but strong in will!
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Thomas de Leon; Chris and Lisa de Leon, and Tyler and Anne de Leon; 5 grandchildren: John de Leon, Elizabeth de Leon, Riley de Leon, Regan de Leon, and Mackenzie (Michael) Hennekes; and 3 great-grandchildren: Jonathon, Ryland, and Christian. Ginny is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James and Lois Bickerstaff; beloved husband, John Thomas; and her daughter, Allison.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, March 25, 2016, at 12:00 noon at Christ Church Unity, Springfield, MO, with Sue Baggett-Spears officiating. Ginny will be laid to rest with her beloved husband and daughter at a later date at Valhalla Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ginny’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of Southwest MO.