Ms. Virgie M. McConkey
Virgie Mae McConkey was born Virgie Mitchell to the late Eunice Randall-Mitchell and Len Mitchell on September 8, 1927 in Evergreen, Alabama. At that time, she was considered the baby girl. She received her formal education in the Conecuh County School System. While in high school, she was very active in sports.
Upon completion of high school, she made the decision to leave Evergreen, and she set her sights on Newark, New Jersey where she would join her brother, Charles Mitchell. While in Newark, she embarked upon a career as a butcher. She was surely a trend setter at that time. After years of being in New Jersey, Virgie had a plan, and it was to relocate to Los Angeles, California. Her decision was based on the fact that she wanted to help her eldest brother, Steve “Bubba” Randall in raising his three children (Eddie Dean, Nathaniel and Virgia Lee). She took an active role in their upbringing, and once they became of age, she placed her focus on rearing her grand-nephews Vaughn “Butch” and Eddie Jr.
As life would have it, Virgie was blessed to have met and married Mr. Robert “Bud” McConkey. They settled in Hawthorne, California. The journey of marriage ended years later, and she made a conscious decision to relocate back to Evergreen, Alabama in the early 1980’s. The first order of business was to devote her time into caring for her father (whom she affectionately called Poppa) until his passing. In her words, “I’m back in Evergreen, and I’m here to stay.” Soon after making that proclamation, she began construction of her permanent residence, and involved herself in the community of Fairview. She became a member of the Order of Eastern Star, but also took on a love for fishing.
Her love and passion for Christ was pronounced quite often, and she served faithfully at the Belleville Missionary Baptist Church. She looked forward to Revivals and good preaching. When her health began to fail, she was comforted in knowing that the members of Belleville would check on her often.
The Journey for Virgie was met with many highs and lows, and despite any tribulation she faced, her favorite quote was “Every day above ground is a good day.” This proved to be her mantra as she persevered until God himself said come on home. On Wednesday Night, May 29, 2019, the Lord sent his angels to release her from the pains of mortal life. She now joins the greats of her mother, father, brothers (Steve, Charlie and Hubert) in the celestial skies. There is a great reunion in heaven.
Virgie leaves to cherish her memory, her niece and nephew, whom she raised as her own, Virgia L. Randall, Nathaniel Randall and great-nephew Vaughn M. Williams III “Butch” of Los Angeles, California; three sisters, Lovenia Hooks (John) of Willow Springs, NC, Marie Mitchell of Raleigh, NC, and Christine Mitchell of Evergreen, AL; a devoted cousin, Charles Milton of Brewton, AL, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Cherished memories and special thanks are extended to the staff of Evergreen Nursing Home, The Southern Hospice Team, Dr. Mark Roberts, and other caregivers to include Mrs. Voncile Grace and Shirley Hill.
We, the family of the late Virgie Mae McConkey, thank you for your acts of kindness, your love, and support during this most difficult time. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and appreciation as her life impacted so many across this world. While there is a void left in our world, you’ve wrapped your arms around us and given us complete confidence that everything is already alright. We are humbled and thankful. A note of thanks will be sent to each of you later, but for now, please know that we value your loyalty, appreciate your prayers, and thank you for joining in this jubilant celebration of life.
- The Family