Virginia "Virgie" Tichenor

Virginia “Virgie” McBride Tichenor passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.  She was born December 2, 1929 in Owensboro, Kentucky where she married her beloved husband of fifty years, Lee Tyler Tichenor.  Lee attended the University of Kentucky where they had their first-born, Michael. They became huge UK basketball fans and “bled Kentucky Blue” until their respective deaths. 

After Lee obtained his mechanical engineering degree in 1952, they moved to Kingsport where Lee obtained employment at Eastman Kodak.  They had their second child, Jeanne, in 1953.  Virgie became a lifelong member of St. Dominic Catholic Church where she met many lifelong friends who were all raising young children together.  She was a member of Catholic Girl’s Bridge Club. They began in the 60’s and continued to meet for lunch when they were no longer able to play.  Many treasured friendships formed from that.  In the 60’s she was a Girl Scout Master.  Virgie was an avid bingo player and also made many friends there.  In the 60’s Virgie began volunteering at the Palmer Center and in the 70’s she became their kindergarten teacher.  Virgie and Lee delivered Meals on Wheels in the 80’s and 90’s.  Virgie trained as an Extraordinary Minister and for many years took Holy Communion to those in nursing homes.  For years she volunteered to clean the linens and arrange the alter at her church.  Those who knew her described Virgie as a character who was very sweet and with a great sense of humor. She had a unique laugh that will be remembered by all who heard it. She was a huge animal lover who had many beloved dogs over the years. Virgie’s belief system was such that she not only expected to be reunited with the predeceased relatives and friends, but she also expects to do so with her furry friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; son, Michael; sisters, Louise Henning and Dena McBride; and brother, Robert McBride.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Jeanne Tichenor; her granddaughter, Sarah Tichenor-McMahon and husband, Jay; great-grandchildren, Finley and Atticus; brother, David McBride; sister, Jean Hein; and by many wonderful nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by Nancy Buren and Suzy Rozier who adopted Virgie as their second Mom and from whom Virgie received much love, attention and care. There are not enough words to express how important a part they were of Virgie’s life. Two of her in-home caregivers, Mary Brackett and Earline Barton had a very special bond with Virgie. It was a special blessing to Virgie and her daughter that they came into their lives.  They took excellent care of Virgie and she loved them both very much.  Joe and Karen Young also connected with Virgie in her later years and were dear friends who helped keep her happy and active.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2020 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Father Emmanuel officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 3346, Kingsport, TN 37664, or to Petworks Regional Animal Services, 2141 Idle Hour Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660.