DREWRYVILLE —Virginia Gay Applewhite, 88, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016. She is survived by her daughter, Christie Gay Applewhite. Mrs. Applewhite was a resident of Drewryville, Virginia and a member of Monumental United Methodist Church in Emporia where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir for a number of years.

She retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections after serving 37 years and had the distinction as the first female corrections officer at Southampton Correctional Center.

Mrs. Applewhite also earned an award from the Virginia Broadcasters Association for her radio program “Listen Ladies” which aired on WEVA radio from Emporia. Interment will be private. A memorial service will be held at Monumental United Methodist Church in Emporia at a later date. Updated service information will be available online at www.owenfh.com where condolences may also be posted. Memorial contributions may be made to Monumental United Methodist Church, 300 Southampton St., Emporia, Virginia 23847.