Virginia Ruth Whitehead

Virginia Ruth (Tays) Whitehead, 74, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at St. Anne’s Nursing Home in Rockford, IL. Born on September 30, 1950, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, she was the cherished daughter of Lloyd and Sharlett (Hill) Tays.  Virginia grew up in Illinois, attending Harlem High School before continuing her education at Olivet College. On February 23, 1974, she married the love of her life, Jack Whitehead, in Machesney Park, IL. They went on to have their daughter, Kimberley, in January of 1979, and they devoted many years of their lives raising their daughter and adoring their grandchildren.

With a natural charm and determination, Virginia found great success in her professional life, earning recognition as an award-winning saleswoman. Yet her true passions lay in her creative spirit and generous heart. A gifted musician, she sang joyfully in her church choir and shared her talent at the piano, often teaching others to play with patience and encouragement.  In her younger years, Virginia was also a talented seamstress, lovingly altering and repairing clothing for her family. After retirement, she found comfort in the simple pleasures of life, watching classic films and television shows, reflecting on fond memories, and spending precious time with those she loved most.

Above all, Virginia will be remembered for the warmth she brought to every room, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the gentle, joyful spirit that touched all who knew her.

She is survived by her former husband and dearest friend, Jack L. Whitehead; daughter, Kimberley L. (Darrin) Akers; mother, Sharlett Tays; grandchildren, Skyler, Ashlynn and Clayton Briggs, Aubreya, Sevastiana, Samyna and October; great-grandchildren, Micah Briggs and Damir Gaston; siblings, Becky and Bert Tays; nieces, Tiffany Smallwood and Lindsey Kruse; great-nieces, Sophia and Molly. Predeceased by her father, Lloyd Tays.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL, 61111, at 3:00 PM with a memorial visitation starting at 2:00 PM until time of service.  The family asks that everyone come as you are and maybe try to add a little purple in the attire as it was Virginia’s favorite color.

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