ATHENS – Virginia Lea Bowser Word died suddenly at her residence in Jackson County on Saturday, November 9, 2013.
She was born September 24, 1938, in Bremen, Ind., the daughter of Lawrence Ernest Bowser and Elise Meyer Hight. She attended Bremen High School and graduated from Florida State University in elementary education. Mrs. Word moved to Jackson County in 1970. She was a dedicated educator and taught at South Jackson Elementary School for 30 years until her retirement in 2000. Her students included up to four generations in the South Jackson community. She was a former member of the Retired Teachers Association of Georgia and enjoyed being actively involved in local civic affairs with her daughter. Mrs. Word was a member the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.
Survivors include her beloved daughter, Celinda Word Wilson, wife of Master Sergeant Shon Wilson; adored grandchildren, Austin and Troy Wilson; sister Mary Evelyn Weaver Pound; and former spouse, William Walker Word.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, at the First United Methodist Church of Jefferson with the Revs. Christ Laskey and Jeff Williams officiating. A private burial will be held in the Rosewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, November 11, at Bernstein Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 188 Martin St., Jefferson, GA 30549.
On line condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.