Virginia Lacy Wilks, stepped into her heavenly home on Friday, March 6, 2020, at the age of 93 years, 6 months and 3 days.
She requested that an obituary not be written for her because she did not want to talk about herself. So this is not an obituary, but a tribute to her from my brother and me.

Our mother was born on September 3, 1926, in Marionville, MO, and named Virginia Lacy Phillips. She was the 9th of 10 children born to Jessie Emmett and Lottie Amber (Chapman) Phillips. She married our father, Ralph Kenneth Wilks Sr., on November 8, 1943, just before he was shipped overseas for World War II. I, Rebecca, was born on October 25, 1954, and my brother, Ralph Kenneth Jr., on September 25, 1956.

Mother began her career with AT&T/Southwestern Bell when she was 16 years old. She held numerous positions within the company and excelled at all of them. During her career, she was promoted to the title of District Manager Operator Services, one of very few women to hold the title at that time. She retired due to medical reasons, with over 32 years of service.

She loved her career but her passion was her love of the Lord and her family. She was active in her church and community and was happiest when she was spending time with friends and family. She held a very special bond with her grandson Alan, and they shared many happy memories. Our mother always said she needed one good belly laugh each day and she always managed to get that in. Her smile could light up a room.

Mother was proceeded in death by our father who passed away on April 4, 1982, and her son in law, Randy, who passed away on September 26, 2016. She leaves behind myself, her daughter, Becky Perryman, my brother Ken and his wife Melinda, her grandson Alan Perryman and his wife Ashley and two great grandchildren, Addison and Alexander. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends whose lives she has touched. She has been an inspiration to me all of my life and I will miss her every day.

Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Season's Hospice and Phoenix Home Health Care. Some very special people from both organizations gave their time, their care and their hearts to our mother and our family. We will forever be grateful to them for their love.

In lieu of flowers our mother has requested memorials be made in her name to Grace Church of Nazarene at 540 E. Walnut Lawn St., Springfield, MO 65807.

Graveside services will be, Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 1:00PM at White Chapel Cemetery, Springfield, MO.