Mrs. Virginia Lorena Wilkins Free was born on February 13, 1936 to the late Walter and Whitney Jackson Wilkins as the fourth child among five siblings. Reared in the church with a foundation of faith, love, and strong family values, she graduated as Valedictorian from Fosters Grove High School in Chesnee, SC. During her formative years, she spent summers in Washington D.C., as one of the first African American retail clerks at S. H. Kress & Co. department store. Despite being offered a scholarship to Clark Atlanta University, she chose to marry her true love, Joe Free, Jr., at the age of 18, setting the course for a life intensely focused on the wellbeing of her family.

Together, they nurtured a loving family of six children, setting a profound example of unity and devotion that continues to resonate within their expansive family circle today. Known affectionately as Joe & Ginny, they shared an inseparable bond, working side by side throughout their marriage at various companies, including Abbott Laboratories and Phillip Fibers. From commuting together to sharing daily lunches, their partnership was a testament to enduring companionship until Joe Free, Jr.'s passing on September 4, 2012, after 57 years of marriage. They reared their children as members of Holden Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where Virginia was an active member of the Women’s Missionary and Birthday clubs.

Virginia was known for her radiant smile, warm spirit, and generous heart. She was unwavering in her commitment to help others, ensuring that her home was always open to neighbors and extended family seeking a comforting meal. A faithful warrior for her family, she instilled in them a steadfast dedication to excellence in all endeavours. She cherished family travel and took joy in hosting gatherings, always with the condition that her home be left as spotless as it was found.

In her passing, she joins her beloved Mother and Father, Walter and Whitney Jackson Wilkins, her true love, Joe Free, Jr., her in laws, Joe and Mamie Free Sr., her siblings, Hattie Thompson Hilton, Doctor Spurgeon Wilkins, and Nellie Wilkins Mallory and a circle of close family and friends.

Mrs. Virginia leaves a cherished legacy carried on by her six children and their spouses: Terry and Ruth Free of Spartanburg, SC; Brenda and Jacob Jenkins of Columbia, SC; Phillip and Lynda Free of Spartanburg, SC; Jonita and Bradford Kemp of Moore, SC; Lorena and Jesse Prioleau of Inman, SC; and Vicky and Dr. Christopher Sistrunk of Hilton Head, SC. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Landrum Davis of Spartanburg, SC; her sister-in-law, Elease Dodd of Boiling Springs, SC; fifteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two bundles of joy on the way, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a community of friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Virginia Lorena Wilkins Free lived a life marked by genuine kindness, boundless love, and an enduring legacy of family unity. Her presence will be profoundly missed and her spirit will forever inspire those who were fortunate to know her.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Holden Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Boiling Springs, SC. Dr. B. D. Snoddy will officiate. Burial will be in the Good Shepherd Memorial Park, Boiling Springs, SC.