SMYRNA - Virginia Walls Speakman passed away on Jun. 27, 2017, after a short illness.
Born on Oct. 17, 1925, in Georgetown to the late George F. and Nellie Lynch Walls she grew up in Georgetown and was known as "Baby Sis" by relatives and friends.
After completing high school at Georgetown High School in 1943 "Ginny" graduated from Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. in 1945 and began a career in merchandising at Bird Speakman, Inc. in Wilmington and Rehoboth.
On May 29, 1948, Virginia married Walter ("Buzz") W. Speakman and moved to Smyrna where they raised three children. For a number of years she helped run the Belmont Asparagus Farm but in 1959, she became the manager, buyer, and part owner of Marjorie Speakman, Inc., a children's specialty store located in Greenville and of Bird Speakman, LTD in Rehoboth Beach and Easton, Md. When Virginia retired she was the full owner of all of the stores.
Virginia and Buzz both had wonderful senses of humor and made great dance partners. For a number of years they looked forward to going to Captiva, Florida every March with their good friends, the Vinton's. Ginny enjoyed spending time at the Walls family cottage in Rehoboth to catch up with downstate relatives and friends. She loved to play bridge and played for many years with a group of Smyrna friends and later with friends at Maple Dale Country Club every Thursday. She was active in St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Smyrna serving on the vestry, leading the kneeler needlepoint project, and serving the church in other ways. She was a life time member of the Duck Creek Historical Society and the Friends of Belmont Hall.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter W. Speakman, Sr.; and her son, Walter W. Speakman, Jr.; as well as her sister, Margaret (Peggy) W. and her husband, Edward Booth; and her brother, James F. Walls, and his wife, Lilly.
Virginia is survived by her daughters, Marjorie (Missy) and her husband, James T. Vaughn, Jr. and Amy E. Speakman of Smyrna; her daughter-in-law, Karen B. Speakman of Dover; grandchildren, Mary V. Moor and her husband, Alex; James (Jay) T. Vaughn III and his wife, Elizabeth; Calli F. Speakman; and Walter (Will) W. Speakman III; her much loved great-granddaughters, Deirdre and Miranda Moor; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jul. 29, 2017, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 22 North Union St. in Smyrna followed by a reception at Belmont Hall at 217 Smyrna Leipsic Rd.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna, DE 19977.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com.
Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.