Virginia Lee Brinkley, 84, died March 6, 2025, at her home. She was born October 17, 1940, in Altamont, MO, to Virgil Earl and Trudy Lucille (Youtsey) Reid.
Virginia graduated from Gallatin High School, Gallatin, MO, in 1958, and went to work for the shoe factory in Chillicothe, MO. She then moved to Junction City, where she was a waitress and met Clyde E. Bailey, Jr. They were married January 11, 1959, in Junction City, and then moved to Hutchinson. They had four sons and later, divorced. Clyde died March 2, 1992.
Virginia also worked at Hubco, was the warehouse manager at Eriksen’s Crafts, and worked for Jackson Ice Cream. Virginia’s favorite job was owning her own daycare for 26 years. She enjoyed water aerobics, playing Bunco, and working with arts and crafts. Virginia was also an avid collector of angels and enjoyed playing golf and traveling with her husband, Gary. Above all, Virginia was a devoted mom who enjoyed the challenges of raising four sons. She was very thankful for the visits by her best friend, Linda Shanley, and all the goodies, especially the Wendy’s Frosty she would bring Virginia every time she would come visit. Virginia was a member of First Christian Church, and for many years, involved in their ministries.
On June 9, 1990, she married the love of her life, Gary Lynn Brinkley, in Hutchinson. He died November 27, 2016.
Virginia is survived by: her children, Clint Bailey (Linda), Cliff Bailey, Craig Bailey (Jackie), and Darren Bailey (Sally), all of Hutchinson, Daniel Brinkley (Sheri) of South Hutchinson and Sarah Shepherd (Robert) of Hutchinson; sisters, Mary Lee, Dorothy “Dot” Black, and Kay Price (Roger); brother, J.D. Reid; brother-in-law, Wayne Brinkley (Susan); 20 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents and a brother, Earl Dean Reid (who died at 10 years of age).
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Bob Phipps officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends can call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
Click here to view Virginia's funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Gentiva Hospice or First Christian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.