Virginia Kay Daniel

Virginia Kay Daniel, 90, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021 at her beautiful home on the creek in Athens.

Virginia was born in Byron, Georgia March 14, 1930, the youngest of six children of the country doctor nurse team of Dr. James B. Kay and Lena Adair Kay in Byron. Virginia was predeceased by her adored husband of 67 years Garnett Lee Daniel, Jr. of Athens whom she met during a biology lab at the University of Georgia. She attended school in Byron playing on the high school basketball team.  She also went to Brenau in Gainesville for one year before finishing two years at Agnes Scott College.  Virginia graduated from the University of Georgia as a biology major. She was a member of Phi Mu Sorority.

Virginia was involved in many volunteer activities over her life including church and other agencies including volunteering at Athens Regional Hospital, Junior League and Center for Puppetry Arts. She also was very successful in business having worked at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart and as a Carlisle Consultant. In this role she was given the Above and Beyond Award which aptly describes every activity she undertook. Having raised four daughters, Virginia brought much experience and skill to her work activities in the women’s clothing industry which were much appreciated by her clients. Virginia was also a master gardener, a legendary cook and was prolific in sewing and knitting. She was devoted to many lifelong friends with whom she enjoyed many trips, ALTA tennis and playing bridge even up to the last week of her life.

Virginia was a person of strong faith. She grew up across the railroad tracks from Byron Methodist Church where she and her family were very involved. She was also a member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Athens.

Virginia’s greatest love and achievement were her family and home. She is survived by her four daughters: Debbie Thompson (Jim) of Decatur, Susan Cooper (Bob) of Athens, Ginny Leigh Powers (Tim) of Atlanta and Peggy Wright (Scotland) of Atlanta; ten grandchildren: Ginny Blair (Jeremy), Emma, Sam, Sarah (Christian), Nora (Doug), Ethan, Daniel, Xandy, Handley (Blake) and Land; and six great-grandchildren: Leo, June, Emmie, Scottie, Mary and Margaret. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Ferdinand Kay of Macon (Laurie) and her numerous nephews and nieces in the Kay family.

Interment will be small and private at Oconee Hill Cemetery where her ashes will be placed next to those of her late husband. The Rev. Martha Aenchbacher of Athens First Methodist will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to your favorite charity or the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at botgarden.uga.edu .

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com