Virginia Earnest Tirey of Isola and later Taylor, Miss., passed away Friday, December 27, 2024. She was 93.

Virginia was born June 21, 1931, near Houston, Miss.  She moved to Isola at the age of 12, and fondly adopted it as her hometown. She was a cherished member of Isola Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. Those who entered her home would always be met with a smile and the utmost Southern hospitality. Outside of the home, she could often be found at Humphreys Academy sporting events, cheering on her grandsons, and later, her great grandsons. Never one to remain idle, she held various occupations over the years, but most remember her from her time at BankPlus, from which she would retire after 23 years of service.  She was an Isola Garden Club member and founding member of the Isola Junior Garden Club. While an active member of the community it was her role as "Mamaw" that fulfilled her most.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Hart Tirey, her parents, Florence Earnest Henley, and Thomas Jefferson Earnest, brother Jay Hugh Henley, and sister Jo Earnest Hoke.  She is survived by her children, Melanie Duhon (Charles) of Tulsa, Okla., Henry Tirey (Anne) of Isola, and Olive Kitchens (Don) of Taylor; her grandchildren, Eric Tirey (Ann Carol), Olivia Borgos (Josiah), Stuart Tirey (Savannah), Preston Crotwell (Olivia), Zeke Duhon, and Tyler Crotwell. She also leaves behind her precious great-grandchildren: Grant, Aust Minor, Eleanor and Shepherd.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. Graveside services will immediately follow the visitation at Indianola City Cemetery in Indianola with Rev. Richard Wiman officiating. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.