Virginia W. Klemmer, 96, of Elizabethton, died Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital following an extended illness. Virginia was a daughter of the late George M. and Elizabeth Oslansky Willis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Irwin “Mike” Klemmer, on July 3, 1991; a daughter, Virginia Willis Skelton; and a brother, Jack Daryl Willis.
Virginia was born in Phoenix, Ariz., but had lived in Elizabethton for the past 25 years. She was a former legal secretary and retired as a manager for the Sarasota Art Association. She was a United States Coast Guard veteran, having served in World War II, and was the first lady to serve in the Coast Guard (SPAR). Virginia was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City.
Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Eileene Hildebrandt, of the home, and Susan Breeze of Bradenton, Fla.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one sister, Gladys Baker of Springfield, Va.
A committal and entombment service to honor the life of Mrs. Virginia W. Klemmer will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Louis Imsande officiating. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Klemmer family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.