Virginia L. Keys Casey

Virginia L. Keys Casey, a longtime resident of Hitchita, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 83. Virginia was born on October 3, 1932 in Hitchita, OK to Charley Gourley and Eunice Cannon. Virginia grew up in Hitchita and attended school there. She married Paul Keys after high school and they remained married until Paul's death on July 31, 2008. While married to Paul, Virginia proved to be a consummate wife and homemaker. She also enjoyed farming with Paul, where she was known to pick cotton. Paul and Virginia operated The Hitchita Corner Store for approximately 7 years. Later, Virginia went to work as a nurses aide the Henryetta Hospital where she served faithfully for approximately seven years. After her nursing experience, Virginia attended beauty school in Muskogee and when licensed, opened a hair salon in her home. She loved her time with her grandchildren, attending each of their births, and cherished watching them grow. Virginia was a member of the Red Hat Society and Volunteers of America. She was a longtime member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Hitchita. Virginia loved to play card games like pitch, especially with her sister. Virginia later married Bob Casey in Hitchita, Oklahoma on August 24, 2012. She is preceded in death by her mother and father and four brothers, Carl Gourley, Kenneth Gourley, Ronnie Gourley, and Rocky Gourley; and one sister, Christine Hogan. Virginia is survived by her husband, Bob Casey of the home; four daughters, Paulette Barnes and husband Richard of Hitchita, Rhonda Bryce and husband Dewayne of Hitchita, Darlene Lemon and husband Chet of Eufaula, and Kandy Lynch and husband Steve of Muskogee; 2 step-sons, David Casey and wife Margaret of Sperry and Russ Casey of Okmulgee; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; a sister, Carol Howell of Checotah; a brother, Anthony Gourley and wife Devon of Pryor; by numerous nieces and nephews, other extended family and many good friends. Viewing for Virginia will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 1pm until 8:00pm at Integrity Funeral Service in Henryetta. A funeral service for Virginia will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 2:00pm at The Freewill Baptist Church of Hitchita with Rev. George Harris officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Lackey Cemetery in Hitchita under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Nakia Barnes, Jimmy Durrett, Wesley Durrett, Rodney Crosby, Kruz Lynch, Chans Anson, Gage Durrett, Gunner Purdon, and Nolan Barnes.