Virginia Pratt Harlan

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Visitation Schedule
Marion United Methodist Church
81 Military Rd.
Marion, AR  72364
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
12:00pm to 2:00pm
Service Schedule
Marion United Methodist Church
81 Military Rd.
Marion, AR  72364
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
2:00pm
Cemetery
Crittenden Memorial Park
2206 Highway 64 West
Marion, AR  72364
Virginia Pratt Harlan

of Marion, AR

August 24, 1916 - July 28, 2016

Family and Faith defined the life of Charlotte Virginia Pratt Harlan, who passed away peacefully July 28, 2016. Miss Virginia was born August 24, 1916 in Cliftonville, Mississippi to her parents, Charles Thomas Pratt and Emma May (Wootten) Hinkle Pratt. Her family moved from Noxubee County, Mississippi to Crittenden County, Arkansas when Virginia was a toddler. She attended Marion Schools, and was a member of the girls' basketball team. After graduation from Marion High School in 1934, she attended Miss Wylie's Business School in Memphis, Tennessee learning shorthand, typing and accounting. She stayed at the YMCA in Memphis for $4 a week while at Miss Wylie's school.

On July 2, 1935, Virginia was united in marriage to Grady Woodrow Harlan, Sr., who died May 28, 1974. The couple had three children, Grady Woodrow ''Woody'' Harlan, Jr., Emily Virginia Harlan, and Dorothy Jane ''Dar'' Harlan Pressly. All three children predeceased their mother.

Virginia was employed by the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service (ASCS) for 29 years. She was a devout member of Marion United Methodist Church where she was an able and willing volunteer for all types of events. At the time of her death, she proudly proclaimed herself to be the oldest and longest time member. She joined the church 89 years ago.
Virginia was an avid gardener, filling her whole backyard with many blooms, but mostly daylilies. She often credited her gardening activities for the agility she possessed as she aged. Her days were filled with friends and organizations. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Marion Town & County Garden Club, Marion Daylily Society, Marion Homemakers Club, and United Methodist Women. She was an honorary member of the Marion Alumni Club, which is a group of friends and classmates who graduated in the 1960s with her deceased daughter ''Dar''. On her 90th birthday, Mayor Frank Fogleman issued a ''Virginia Harlan Day'' Proclamation, to honor her many years of support for the community she dearly loved. She often said that Marion had been so good to her.

She is survived by grandchildren who lovingly called her NAME: Grady Woodrow ''Wood'' Harlan, III and wife Diane of Seligman, Missouri; Patricia ''Cissy'' Harlan Reynolds and husband Steve of Niceville, Florida; Scott Pressly and wife Leanne of Salida, Colorado; Robert Pressly and wife Laurie of Simpsonville, South Carolina; great granddaughters Sophia Pressly of Salida, Colorado, and Piper Pressly of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Predeceasing her were two brothers and their wives: Ruth and Robert Hinkle, and Betty and Charles Thomas Pratt, Jr.

Virginia will be greatly missed by a host of nieces and nephews as well as her many loving and loyal friends. She will be remembered for her gifts of hospitality, humor, wisdom and grace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Marion United Methodist Church designated to the Dorothy Jane ''Dar'' Harlan Pressly Memorial Garden.

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8 Condolence(s)
Erin Clark-Grismore
San Francisco, CA
Liked
Monday, January 9, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Virginia's passing. She was my grandmother's Nancy Stallings' very dear friend almost all their lives and I always considered Virginia to be a part of our family too. She was a great lady and devoted to her church and family and friends. I will truly miss her.

Brenda
Bartlett, TX
Liked
Wednesday, August 10, 2016

My dear Aunt Ruby Clay and Ms. Virginia were good friends. Once we all went to Cracker Barrell to eat. I know that these two ladies are playing cards together.

Terri Turner Crampton
colby, KS
Liked
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

The world has lost a beautiful soul. It has been many years since I had seen Virginia, but mom ( Libby Spaht) always kept me up on what was going on. Peace to your heart and happy memories.

LORI JACKSON
MARION, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

MS VIRGINA YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY SO MANY WHO LOVED YOU. I HAVE ENJOYED BEING YOUR NURSE FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS AT DR SANCHEZ OFFICE AND I WILL MISS YOUR WITT THAT YOU HAD ABOUT YOU. I GREATLY KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN THAT WONDERFUL PLACE THAT WE ALL KNOW OF CALLED HEAVEN WITH OUR GREAT FATHER. YOU HAVE BEEN READY FOR A WHILE NOW. YOU WILL HAVE THOSE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS TO WALK THROUGH WITH ALL YOUR FAVORITE FLOWERS THAT YOU SO DEARLY LOVE AND ALTHOUGH YOU WILL BE MISSED ON EARTH WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOON.
HUGS AND KISSES
LORI

marion hinkle
fairview heights,
Liked
Monday, August 1, 2016

Virginia was such a great lady. We are so happy to have celebrated her 99th. Birthday with her. She was a good letter writer. We corresponded every month or so for many many
years. All of her " northern" relatives loved her dearly

Mary Mayham
Indian Head Park, IL
Liked
Saturday, July 30, 2016

Virginia was a very special lady and friend. We had many fun
times together when she visited Dar and her family in Colorado.
One summer Dar and I met in Marion and celebrated Virginia's birthday. She was an amazing southern cook. I will miss her
sweet letters and cards. My love and sympathy to Rob, Scott, and all her family. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Love and prayers,
Mary Mayham

Debra Edmonds
Enoree,
Liked
Saturday, July 30, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate the life of your loved one. I pray for each one of you to be comforted by your memories as you say goodbye. Friend of Rob and Laurie

Nannette (Whitten) Baker & O.D.
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, July 29, 2016

Virginia, you were always our back yard neighbor. You were more like family to us & you always told me that 'Bud & Clara's' kids were like your own. When I was little, I was forever inviting you over to eat supper. Thank you for being such a loyal & devoted friend to my Mother. You are with her & my daddy, your parents, your husband & daughters & son! That alone brings me such joy! I'm glad you & I stayed in touch. I know you were very close to celebrating our 100th birthday but you told me in June that you didn't want to turn 100 & that you were ready to go on because all your friends had gone on. We will be neighbors again one day soon!!i bet you're already heavens master gardener!!
To your family: my prayers are with you all! She was a precious lady! I'll forever treasure all of the great memories!