Virginia was born Aug., 1925 in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of the late Clifford and Clelle (Boyd) Simmons. She graduated from Moultrie High School in Mount Pleasant and wrote the school's alma mater. Virginia furthered her education with a bachelor's degree in education from Lander College and a master's degree from The Citadel.

Virginia, her husband Oren and their children cherished the time they spent living on The Citadel Campus, from 1950 - 1988. She taught children for 30 years in Charleston County including Brentwood Middle School, Garrett High School and Chicora High School. Virginia was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. In addition to being a dedicated teacher, Virginia was a loving wife and mother.

Virginia will be deeply missed by: her daughter Virginia Herring Saunders of Walterboro, S.C.; her son Oren H. Herring (Adelaide) of Mount Pleasant.; her sister Clelle Simmons Armstrong of Pensacola, Fla., her five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Clifford H. Simmons.

Visitation with family and friends was held Friday evening, June 3, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1520 Rifle Range Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-3833. The Graveside Service was Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409; Piedmont Hospice, 501 Deanna Ln. #A, Wando, SC 29492 or East Cooper Meals on Wheel, PO Box 583, Mount Pleasant, SC 29465. Online condolences may be sent to www.mcalistersmith.com. Arrangements by McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant Chapel.