Virginia Y. Stone

Published 1:21 pm Tuesday, April 15, 2025

FRANKLIN – Virginia Yarbrough Stone, 88, born Feb. 11, 1937, was the fourth of five children born to the late Clifford and Ethel Yarbrough of Edison, Georgia. She was also predeceased by her beloved husband, Jake Massie Stone; two sisters, Mary Daniel (Wayne) and Frances “Kikki” Lowe (Fred); a brother, Clifford J. Yarbrough Jr. (Laura Longino); and two brothers-in-law, John W. Stone and Josephus Parr III.

Virginia Y. Stone

Virginia’s faith in God and her love of family and music were the distinguishing marks of her life. She was a 1960 graduate of Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. Upon graduation, she began teaching elementary school music and leading children’s choirs on St. Simon’s Island and in Brunswick, Georgia. There she met Jake Stone at church, and on Dec. 28, 1962, they were married, sharing 57 years of life together. During the time they lived in Georgia, Kenneth and Susan were both born. The family moved to Franklin in August of 1971 where Virginia was a devoted member of Franklin Baptist Church serving with the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir and Women’s Missionary Union, along with her involvement and leadership in Women’s Club and Music Club in the community. She continued to enjoy her study of music and promoted music in Franklin coordinating annual piano recitals and Music Week for student musicians. She taught piano students from her home and supported her children’s swimming, gymnastics, scouting, and band. Her sharp mind and good organizational skills were coupled with a kind and loving spirit.

Virginia became Grandmommy to six grandchildren over 10 years and gave them the same amazing love and support that she had given her children. She vicariously joined them in their pursuits, interests, and travel and encouraged them all in faith and music. Her later years were spent well among great staff and friends at the Village at Woods Edge with her husband Jake. She was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed historical fiction and participating in weekly Bible discussions. In October 2024, she moved to Greenville, North Carolina, and celebrated a wonderful holiday season with her whole family together. Her faith in God and love of family and music continued all through her life making her a joyful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Susan S. Reed and her husband Darel of Greenville, North Carolina; her son, Kenneth W. Stone and his wife Lisa of Auburn, Alabama; a sister, Ann Parr; six grandchildren, Jacob Stone, Emma Stone and Leslie Stone, all of Auburn, Alabama and Mark Reed of Jacksonville, North Carolina, James Reed (Marlee) of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Frances Reed of Chapel Hill, NCNorth Carolina; nieces and nephews and many friends in Franklin.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Harewood Cemetery in Roseland, Virginia. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 17 from noon – 2 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home. A memorial service in Franklin will be held at a later date. Any donations may be made to Franklin Baptist Church or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org