Virginia Chambers Hanna
Virginia Chambers Hanna, daughter of Susie Williams Chambers and Robert (Bob) Chambers, passed away January 1, 2026, at the age of 102. Virginia was born in Richwood, WV, on July 23, 1923.
Virginia’s family moved to Friars Hill in 1928. She grew up attending a one room school, married, and lived her entire life in Friars Hill. She married her beloved husband, John Richard Hanna, in 1942, during the second World War. They were avid farmers, who spent their early married years dairy farming, later converting to beef cattle farming. Virginia was a member of McMillion United Methodist Church, attending church there since she was 12 years old. Virginia had a fond memory of early childhood church days, when her mother and siblings played and sang at church and were introduced as the “Chambers Sisters”. Her mother appreciated being introduced as a “sister” instead of “mother and daughters”.
In 1943 and 1944, she transported German prisoners from the C.C.C. Barracks in White Sulphur Springs, WV, to their three farms; one in Renick and two in Friars Hill. These men worked on the farm, due to the local men 17 years to 40 years of age serving in the military during WWII.
Virginia (Jenny) was very active in the farming operation, often responsible for the milking of the cows. An avid hunter, she was as at home in the woods as she was in the kitchen. She also worked twelve years at Kellwood Corporation, where she made friendships she cherished the remainder of her life. She was a member of the Farm Bureau and the Cattlemen’s Association. Jenny joined the Renick Farm Women’s Organization in the 1950s; later in the ‘60s, she was a founding member of the Williamsburg club, organizing the first meetings at her home. Later the Farm Women’s Organization changed its name to the CEOS, and the Williamsburg club honored Virginia as an Honorary member, making her the oldest member in the state for several years. She was a member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program since 2007. She assisted with the Renick 4-H club for several years. She served two terms as an advisory member for the Farm Service Agency. Her farm is a Bicentennial Farm, being owned and operated by her family for 239 years.
In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, John Richard Hanna; two infant sons, Donnie Richard, born and passed away January 31, 1945, and John Richard Jr., born April 11, 1952 and passed away October 10, 1952. Also preceding her in death: an infant sister, Vivian Ann; sisters, Aline McGuire, Janis Crawford, Mary Heller; and brother, Gardner Chambers. Also preceding her in death: brothers-in-law, Bradford McGuire, Phillip Crawford, Robert Heller, Sidney Hunter, Donald Shafer; and sister-in-law, Jewell Chambers.
Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Michael Woody Hanna and wife, Sandra, of Friars Hill and John Christopher Hanna of Frankford, WV; two grandsons, Alexander Grayson Hanna and wife, Jade, and Jack Sinclair Hanna; sisters, Gloria Kay Hunter, Deanna Shafer, Joan Shafer and husband, Edward; many nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Cassandria Perkins.
A special thank you to Virginia’s special friend and nurse caregiver, Juanita Johnston, and caregivers, Wilma Fox and Marie Blankenship.
Visitation is from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and funeral at 2:00 p.m. on January 11 at Morgan Funeral Home Lewisburg; Reverend Stephen Cort officiating. Burial will follow at Morningside Cemetery, Renick.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the McMillion Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Cassandria Perkins, 358 McMillion Church Road, Renick, WV 24966.
Online guestbook can be signed at www.morganfh.net.
Information submitted by Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.
