Virginia Lee Goolsby

Virginia's journey began on December 25, 1944, in the “Round Top” area of Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by family and mid-wifery at home. She was the second child of Daniel Howard Henry, Sr., and Dorothy Mae Johnson Henry. She was affectionately known as “Gin”. Her early years were filled with the warmth of family and faith, nurtured at St. Matthews A.M.E. Church, where her great-grandmother, Mary Stewart, was a founding member.

Virginia's life was a tapestry of experiences, woven with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys. She attended Charles Sumner Kindergarten with Miss Joyce Smith, First Grade with Miss Josephine Payne, Second Grade with Miss Ruth Young, D.A. Holmes Third Grade with Miss Marable, Fourth Grade with Miss Dobson, Greenwood Fifth Grade with Miss Atchison, and Sixth Grade with Miss Gussie Marie Harris. She continued her education at Central Junior High and graduated from Central Senior High, class of 1963. After high school, she attended Junior College for a semester, later earning a Secretarial Certificate from Kansas City Business College in 1975. Her first job was at National Bellas Hess in North Kansas City as a File Clerk.

Growing up in Round Top, Virginia embraced life with enthusiasm. She enjoyed jump rope, hopscotch, and jacks. The YWCA was a favorite spot for roller skating, crafts, and games with friends. She also cherished visits to Swope Park Zoo and the challenge of climbing the 200-plus steps to the Swope Park Monument, where she could admire the beauty of Kansas City. Music, especially the sounds of the 50s and 60s, moved her spirit, and she loved to dance the Bus Stop, Mashed Potato, Slide, Twist, Pony, Stroll, and many more. She was incredibly proud of the local group Bloodstone, not only for their Central Senior High connection but also for their immense talent. She loved watching classic movies like "Cabin in the Sky," starring Ethel Waters, "Green Pastures," starring Rex Ingram, and the 1975 film "Train Ride to Hollywood," starring Bloodstone. Her favorite Bloodstone songs were "Natural High," "We Go a Long Way Back," and "Do You Want to Do a Thing."

In 1964, Virginia married George Donald Goolsby, Sr., and together they raised three children: Christia Lenora Goolsby, George Donald Goolsby, Jr., and Gregory Cedric Goolsby. Virginia cherished her children. She sewed dresses for Christia on her Treadle Sewing machine and supported her boys and their father at ball games. In later years, Virginia hosted Thanksgiving dinners, where her homemade rolls and delicious pound cakes were always a highlight. She also valued the connections she made with her Central Senior High classmates, attending the 35th, 40th, and 50th reunions.

Virginia's career spanned several roles, including two periods at the Federal Reserve Bank (1969-1971, 1973, retiring in 1985), Commerce Bank, DST (Argus Health Systems), Contempo Fashions, House of Lloyd, US Bank, and SI International (2003-2006). She truly enjoyed the people she met and worked with throughout her career.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Howard Henry, Sr., and Dorothy Mae Johnson Henry; her husband, George Donald Goolsby, Sr.; her siblings: Judy Carol Henry Bell, Sue Yvonne Henry, Constance Jeanette Henry, Martha Henry Barbee, Daniel Howard Henry, Jr. and Queen Bey; and niece LaTanya Bell.

Her legacy of love and joy continues through her children: Christia Lenora Goolsby Gray (Kevin), George Donald Goolsby, Jr., and Gregory Cedric Goolsby; her grandchildren: Patrieta Dockery (Loren), Sheriesa Goolsby Fonville (Charles), Gregory Cason (Tatanesha), DeVontai’ Scott-Goolsby, Julien Goolsby, and Collin Goolsby; her great grandchildren: Messiah Draper, Camariona Fonville, Nuriah Cason, Gabriel Dean Albright, Rocmahn Cason, and Amauri Cason; her great-great-granddaughters: Milaani Fonville and Amorah Wood; her brother, Vance Everette Henry; her sisters: Rita Henderson, Karen Williams, and Georgia Dickens of Maryland, her aunt, Mrs. Mae Helen Goolsby of KCMO; brother in laws: Joel Goolsby (Ruby) Athens, Georgia, Lozie H.Goolsby, Sr. of Jacksonville, FL.; special niece, Jalonda Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and classmates.

Virginia will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit, her laughter, and her love will remain in our hearts forever.