Obituary: Virginia V. Handy, Known for Her Talent to Design and Create a Variety of Garments

Obituary from Weir Mac Cuish Family Funeral Home.

Virginia V. Jackson Handy passed away at home peacefully surrounded by her children on Wednesday, August 26. She was 91 years old. Virginia was the daughter of the late James L. Jackson, Jr. of Hampton, VA and Rebecca I. (Williams) Jackson of Newport News, VA. She was the last survivor of seven siblings having been pre-deceased by her sisters Armenta, Jacqueline, Lois and Perita, and her brothers Milton and James III.

Virginia moved to Malden in 1938 and graduated from Malden High in 1940. She went on to attend Nursery School Education Training which was at that time affiliated with Tufts University.

On Armistice Day, November 11, 1944 Virginia and Alfred B. Handy were united in marriage by her grandfather in the home in which she continued to reside for over seventy years until her death. They were married for 64 ½ years, and she was the devoted mother of seven children: Alfred L. Sr. and his wife Luella, Janel, Leona, Robert, Claudia, Naomi, and the late James. L. Handy.

In addition to raising her children Virginia was also employed in a variety of positions as an elevator operator at Jordan Marsh, a sales clerk at Morton’s, a clerk in the Proof Room at Shawmut Bank, and lastly as a seamstress at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was known for her talent and her ability to design and create a variety of garments, having learned from her grandparents at an early age. Her sewing skills included completing alterations, the design and completion of dresses, prom gowns, and wedding gowns, as well as choir robes and communion tablecloths.

Virginia was a devout member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church which recognized her for fifty years of membership and exemplary service in 1996. She also received a certificate of appreciation for her commitment to womankind and Christian service in 1995. She was also a member of the VFW Post 639 Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her children, Virginia is survived by 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson, her sister-in-law Martha Jackson of Virginia, her Godchildren Clifford Tyler and Valda Campanella, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins The longest surviving of 7 children, she has served as the matriarch of her far reaching extended family. We will all miss her dearly, but know that her legacy will live on because of all those she touched.

Interment will be, Thursday, September 3 at Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden at 11 AM