Virginia Kies

Virginia Lee Kies, 86, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at Monticello House.

One of five children, she was born Nov. 29, 1927, in Jackson, to Adolph and Grace Vinyard Kies. She was a 1945 graduate of Jackson High School, where she was active in the band and choir programs. She then attended Southeast Missouri State University, where she sang in the a cappella choir and was active in the Sorosis Society. She was a charter member of the former Jackson City Choral Club.

In 1948 she became employed at Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Cape Girardeau, serving 39 years as secretary to the district manager, retiring in 1987. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America, an organization limited to those with 21 plus years of service, and had received several awards for her work.

Virginia was a lifelong active member of First Baptist Church in Jackson. As an accomplished soprano vocalist with a remarkable range, she devoted much of her time to the music ministry, serving as choir director for adults, juniors and youths; singing solos; and singing in various choirs. In 1948 she accepted the job of decorating the church for Sunday services and special holidays, and served in that capacity for nearly 60 years.

Loving survivors include two sisters, Miriam Kies of Jackson and Sue Horne of Jacksonville, Florida; 10 nieces and nephews, William E. "Bill" (Kathy) Horne Jr., Cynthia S. Horne and Robert Bruce Horne, all of Jacksonville, Dr. Richard L. (Becky) Kies of Cape Girardeau, Jane Kies of Seattle, Judy (Dave) Junk of Lenexa, Kansas, Fred (Reene) Abbott of Colfax, California, Bruce (Dawn) Abbott, Judy (Fred) Bailard and Debbie (Dennis) Porch, all of Woodland, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Dr. Vinyard L. Kies and Harriett Abbott.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and from 10 a.m. to service time Friday at First Baptist Church in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Lucas Clabough officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church Music Committee.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.