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- [S16] Obituary.
January 21, 1938 - November 9, 2014
Virginia Bledsoe Perrin Ooten, 76, of Soddy Daisy, went to heaven on November 9, 2014. She was a child of God, wife, friend, sister, Mama, and Mama O. to her family. Virginia was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a talent for playing the piano. She was a born organizer, a talent that touched many others during her career at TVA and while serving at several area churches. Virginia believed and lived the scripture Matthew 25: 44-45. She spent the last 17 years serving as the financial secretary at Red Bank Baptist Church. Virginia was a member at Red Bank Baptist Church where she served diligently in many volunteer capacities. She loved to serve in any position from Trunk or Treat to singing in the choir. Formerly a member of First Baptist Church of Soddy Daisy, she volunteered as Sunday School teacher and children’s choir leader. Her children’s choir members, who are now adults, still loving referred to her as “Mama O”. Virginia was a friend to many, always stepping up to help the helpless - whether it was taking a lady less fortunate than her shopping for clothes or serving at the Community Kitchen. Her last volunteer position was on Sunday evening, November 2, 2014, where she was portraying an angel. Virginia was a beautiful, classy lady who was admired by many, even by nurses who cared for her in her last days. She would be the first to tell you that she was not perfect, but forgiven by the blood of our Lord. Virginia would want those remaining on earth to also know this peace. Don’t wait until tomorrow; tomorrow may never come. She never quit living and has gone to live for all eternity in heaven.
Virginia was born on January 21, 1938 to Ashburn and Bernice Bledsoe and cared for by Tom and Laura Bledsoe. When she went to heaven, she was not only met by Jesus and her parents, but her brothers: Patrick, Jack, Laban, Gene, Erial, Herial, Woodrow, and Jim Bledsoe. She leaves behind a loving and kind man, Gary Ooten, whom she was proud to call her husband for 32 years. Gary loved listening to Virginia sing and was proud of how much she cared for other people. Virginia was Mama to Lisa (Steve) Smith, Brian (Lori) Perrin, Julie (Dave) Ables, Sandra (Allen) Miller, Joe (Sherry) Ooten, and Cathy Bell. She was a mom, teacher, and friend to her children, always present when needed with advice whether or not you wanted to hear it. She was “Mama O” to 18 grandchildren – Callie (Chad) Branam, Laura (Brad) Turner, Bethany (Jason) Harper, Brent (Beth) Price, Jarrod Hatcher, Niki Ables, Max Miller, Josh (Kristin) Ooten, Chris Ooten, Caleb Ooten, Hilary (Brad) Jones, and Niki Bell. Mama O. was the greatest supporter of her grandchildren, attending ball games, bowling tournaments, school and children’s choir plays, band competitions, dance recitals, and various other performances always with an encouraging word and hug afterward. It was rumored that the fans of Soddy Daisy High School were glad when the last Ooten boy played his final football game because she had the loudest cowbell at the game and was famous for ringing it incessantly when one of her boys was on the field. Mama O. was her grandchildren’s biggest fan when it came to their educations. She attended more than 50 kindergarten, middle school, middle school, high school, and college graduations. She was also “Mama O” to 12 great-grandchildren: Landen and Greyson Turner; Logan, Nate, and Graham Price; Ronnie, Emmalie, Abby, and Beau Harper; Addison Jones; and Knox and Reese Branam, who is due to arrive in January 2015.
Mama O. loved spending time with her family at Disney World, the “happiest place on earth”, and St. George Island, Florida. She loved singing all of the Disney theme songs and watching the latest Disney movies with her grandchildren. Mama O. was the first one out on the beach early in the morning to spot the dolphins out for their morning swim and loved taking evening walks with her family on the beach to the jetty down the shore. She loved collecting seashells and watching for signs of sea turtles that crawled across the sand the previous night. She had a talent for sewing and spent many hours at her sewing machine creating costumes, clothing, curtains, Christmas stockings, and several wedding dresses for her family.
Virginia is survived by her sisters Harriet Franklin, Cloey Haynes, Lois Maujer, and Floyce (Larry) Smith, and one brother, Floyd (Ann) Bledsoe. She had many cousin, nieces, and nephew that loved her. She had the privilege of sharing many precious memories and laughs with her life-long friend, Linda Wease. Linda, she will be waiting for you under the Bradford pear trees. Virginia will be greatly missed by her dog, Magey, whom she adored. She had a vibrant zeal for life and unconditional love for her family. She will forever be remembered by her family and many dear friends.
We invite family and friends to join us to celebrate Virginia’s life at Red Bank Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 11 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Her memorial celebration will be held at Red Bank Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 12 at 2:00pm. Entombment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be her sons, Brian and Joe, and her grandsons, Josh, Chris, Caleb, Max, Jarrod, and Brent. If you would like to honor Virginia in a tangible way, please make a contribution to the Community Kitchen at 727 E. 11th Street, Chattanooga 37403 or to the building program at Red Bank Baptist Church at 4000 Dayton Boulevard, Chattanooga, 37415 in her memory. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com. Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy 37379.
- [S137] Hamilton County Tennessee Marriage Records, Hamilton County Clerk's Office, (https://secure2.hamiltontn.gov/CClerk/Marriage_License/PublicScreens/LicenseSearch.aspx).
Date Married: 4/24/1982 Book: 072 Page: 474 License: 50820
Groom Information
Name (FML): GARY LEE OOTEN
Address: BOX 542 County: HAMILTON Birthplace:
City/State/Zip: DAISY TN
Bride Information
Name (FML): VIRGINIA BELDSOE PERRIN
Address: 9887 SMITH STREET County: HAMILTON Birthplace:
City/State/Zip: DAISY TN
Officiant Name: ROBERT C. DOMING, JR., MINISTER
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