Virginia Bellamy

MORRIS, Ill. — Virginia Lee "Ginny" Bellamy, 81, of Morris passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, Saturday morning, Jan. 13, 2024.

She was born Aug. 27, 1942, in Norwalk, Ohio, to Harve Freeman and Frances Margaret Sandford Champion. Ginny attended grade school in Hammond, Indiana, and as a sophomore in high school, moved with her family to Cape Girardeau, where she met her future husband, Tom Bellamy.

Tom started a long career with JC Penney, which took their family to several communities — including Jacksonville, Illinois; Michigan City, Indiana; Schaumburg, Illinois; and Frankfort, Illinois — from 1978 until he and Ginny retired to Morris in 2003.

Ginny was a member of First United Methodist Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, Grundy County Historical Society, Grundy County Association for Home and Community Education and Morris Watercolor Guild, as well as a founding member of Morris Area Garden Club.

Her life revolved around her family, her love of gardening (Certified Master Gardener) and being involved in the community. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ginny is the beloved mother of Jim (Therese) Bellamy and Wes (Benita) Bellamy; devoted grandmother of Jake (Shannon) Bellamy, Nick (Erika) Bellamy and Sam Bellamy; proud great-grandmother of Lillian and Graham; dear sister of Carrie (Kevin) Shiley; and sister-in-law of Alan (Brenda) Bellamy. Ginny was also loved by many nieces, nephews, friends and family.

She was preceded in death by Tom Bellamy, her husband of 47 years; her parents; and siblings, Harve Champion, Sue Bigus and Alan Champion.

All friends and relatives are invited to gather at First United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson Street in Morris on Monday, Jan. 22. Gathering and greeting will be at 10 a.m. and a memorial service at 11 a.m.. A luncheon will immediately follow.

As it was Ginny's wish, cremation rites have been accorded, and her final earthly remains will be interred with those of her beloved husband in Cape Girardeau this spring.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to support one of the many community organizations Ginny loved.

Live viewing of the service may be found at www.facebook.com/FUMC.Morris or www.morrisumc.org/.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home of Joliet, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information, call (815) 942-5040 or visit Ginny's memorial tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where a favorite memory may be shared or a condolence left.