Virginia Wilhaucks
She was Ginny to many, but Nana to those who mattered the most.
Virginia Hillman Wilhaucks, lovingly known as “Nana” to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2026, at the age of 87.
Virginia was born on Jan. 20, 1939, in Olive Hill, Ky. She was a woman whose greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply, gave generously and created a legacy that will continue through the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren she cherished so dearly.
Virginia married James “Doodle” Wilhaucks Jan. 6, 1962, and together they built their family and shared many years of life and memories. Her family was the center of her world, and she was affectionately known as Nana by generations who knew her unconditional love and devotion.
She is survived by her three children, Mark (Angela) Wilhaucks of Humboldt, Jeff (Lee) Wilhaucks of Huntsville, Ala., and Kelley (Chad) Gerber of Moro, Illi.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bryan (Katie), Hazel and Henry Wilhaucks of St. Louis, Mo., Matthew (Anna), Lainey Wilhaucks of Memphis, Jessica Gerber of East Alton, Ill., Ally Gerber of Moro, Ill., Ella Wilhaucks of Huntsville, Ala., and Emma Wilhaucks of Huntsville, Ala.
Virginia is also survived by her brother, Keith (Linda) Hillman of Olive Hill, Ky.; sister-in-law Peggy McConnell of South Fulton; her special friend, Tom Reed of Clinton, Ky.; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Doodle” Wilhaucks; her parents, Norton (Thelma) Hillman and Elsie (Leonard) Thomas; her sisters, Barbara (Chuck) Fuller and Yvonne (Tom) Brown; her brother, Watterson Hillman; and members of the Wilhaucks family who preceded her in death, including Buck and Marie Wilhaucks and Bobby McConnell.
Virginia worked in accounting many years at Ferry Morris Seed Company and retired in 2002.
Nana’s family will forever remember her for the love she poured into the lives of those around her. Her greatest legacy is not found in possessions or accomplishments, but in the family she built and the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind memories that will be treasured for generations and a place in the hearts of her family that can never be filled.
Though they will miss her dearly, her family finds comfort in knowing that Nana is now at peace and reunited with those who went before her.
The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating the life of Virginia “Nana” Wilhaucks. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. until noon at Hornbeak Funeral Chapel. A funeral service celebrating Virginia’s life will follow at noon. Brother Donald Doster will be officiating. Burial will follow at Obion County Memorial Gardens in Union City.
Pallbearers will be Bryan Wilhaucks, Matthew Wilhaucks, Greg Hillman, Keith Lawrence, Matthew Lane, Paul Maxwell and Donald Hardin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Brown, Danny Wrather and Jack Simpson.
The family asks that memorial donations to be made to: Kids to Love Foundation, 140 Castle Drive, Madison, AL 35758, www.kidstolove.org; or South Prairie Memory Care, 815 South Prairie St., Bethalto, IL 62010.
The Messenger