Virgie Julian Brinkley, 101, of the Shell Creek Community in Roan Mountain, Tenn., passed away peacefully at the NHC Health Care Center of Johnson City, Tenn., on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. Virgie was born on June 28, 1916 in Roan Mountain, Tenn. She was the last surviving child of John Frank “Dick” Julian and Lydia Knight Julian.
Virgie was the oldest member of the Lower Shell Creek Christian Church. She had served in the Children’s Department for many years. She taught primary class and Bible School classes. She will be remembered for her kindness and loving personality. She was a wonderful homemaker and caretaker. A cousin said, “Virgie is sweeping gold dust on the streets of Heaven.” Virgie worked for several years as an assistant at the Shell Creek Elementary School. She retired from the TRW Company in Newland, N.C.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Walter Brinkley Jr.; her son, James Walter Brinkley III; a brother, Will Julian; and her sisters, Lucy Julian Blackwell and Thelma Julian Myers.
Survivors include her daughter, Linda Brinkley Morgan (John Morgan); daughter-in-law, Brenda Clark Brinkley. She was the loving grandmother to James Walter Brinkley IV, Timothy Clark Brinkley (Dori), Moses Brinkley, Melinda Morgan Martin (Kevin Martin) and Jonathan Brinkley Morgan (Shelly Morgan); four great-grandchildren, Lydia and Garret Morgan, Victoria Brinkley and Laura Lily Martin. She leaves many nieces and nephews to cherish their wonderful aunt.
A service to celebrate the life of Virgie Julian Brinkley will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 4, at the Lower Shell Creek Christian Church with Mr. Gerald Holly officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 2 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service, or at the residence of her daughter at other times. The graveside service will follow in the Ray Cemetery at Shell Creek. Active pallbearers will be family members. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Lower Shell Creek Christian Church. The family would like to express appreciation to her many friends for their love and support over the years. Appreciation is also expressed to Dr. Rachel Monderer, to the staff and administration of NHC Health Care and Caris Hospice. Those who prefer memorials may make donations to LSCC (Lower Shell Creek Christian Church), ATTN: Building Fund, P.O. Box 127, Roan Mountain, TN 37687. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
The Brinkley family is being assisted by Tetrick Funeral Home, Rhododendron Chapel, Roan Mountain. Office: (423) 772-3928. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.