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Virginia Ann Scarlett, born on April 28, 1936 in Maypearl, Texas to Morrison Morgan Scarlett and Ruby Scarlett, passed away Monday, Aug. 22, 2016 in Dallas. She was a loving, devoted, compassionate mother and dear friend to so many people.
Virginia worked 33 years for the Wichita Falls State Hospital, starting in 1964. In 1974 she was named Psychiatric Aide of the Year by the Texas Psychiatric Association and shortly thereafter was selected to become the director of Gerontology.
After 18 years, Virginia transferred to the Occupational Therapy Department where she was the senior occupational therapist.
But the untold story is that in 1964, when she was hired by the hospital, she was beaten by her husband. She sadly endured being physically and verbally abused by her husband while at the same time working long, hard hours due to her devotion to her four children and to the patients entrusted in her care.
In 1976, Virginia divorced her abusive husband and took on the tough role of being both mother and father to her children. She never complained about the sacrifices she made on behalf for her children and was alsways a supportive, kind, devoted loving mother — a remarkable woman, to say the least. Virginia later married Jim Ellis, the love her of life, who sadly passed away in 1982.
She loved teaching patients how to make beautiful birdhouses, pottery and crochet, among many other arts. She herself was a gifted, creative artist, and she loved to cook.
In 2007, Virginia moved to Dallas, but soon thereafter her health began to decline. She was cared for solely by her devoted, loving son Morgan Gianni, and she died peacefully in his arms after a lengthy illness.
In addition to her son, Virginia is survived by Allan Metcalf, Donna York and Scarlett Hodgkinson (in absentia in toto).
She is survived also by nieces Vicki McCudden, Tammi Green and Brenda Beavers, and by great-nieces Autumn Green, Winter Green and Summer Green.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 26, p.m. from 7-9 p.m. at Aria Funeral Home, 19310 Preston Road, Dallas. Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials can be made in her honor to University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, Gerontology Department.
“While we are deeply saddened you are gone, we know this life is only temporary and we shall be reunited again Heaven. Until then you will always be in our hearts and in those whose lives you touched.”
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition August 26, 2016.