- Born on: April 3, 1927
- Departed on: August 23, 2018
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Virginia Bernyce Bragg
Virginia Bernyce Bragg, “Stony,” our own yellow rose of Texas, died on August 23, 2018 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although she moved far from where she was born on April 3, 1927 in Rising Star, Texas, Stony never lost her Texas accent, love of country music or quick witticisms.
As one of six girls (Leota, Lenora, Betty, Wilda, JoAnn), born to Ella (Teagarden) and David Burnice Stoneking, she learned early the significance and joy of sisterhood, lifelong friendship and family.
Stony met and married a handsome airman, John Clair Bragg “Jack” in 1945. Jack and Stony raised three children, Marjorie Ella (Charlie) Ross, John Clair (Janet LeClair) Bragg, Jr. and Nancy Jo (Craig) Vermie, in Des Moines, Iowa and Newburgh, New York. They later moved to Michigan, Texas and then retired in Des Moines. She moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2013 and lived at Keystone Cedars.
Stony had nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, each inheriting her zeal for life. She married Bill Smith, of Des Moines, Iowa, in 2001.
Stony was never without her "bling", stylish wardrobe, laughter and storytelling. Stony’s faith in a loving, merciful God provided her with stamina, strength and grace which she displayed throughout her life.
A private family service will be held later. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and husbands, Jack and Bill.
As one of six girls (Leota, Lenora, Betty, Wilda, JoAnn), born to Ella (Teagarden) and David Burnice Stoneking, she learned early the significance and joy of sisterhood, lifelong friendship and family.
Stony met and married a handsome airman, John Clair Bragg “Jack” in 1945. Jack and Stony raised three children, Marjorie Ella (Charlie) Ross, John Clair (Janet LeClair) Bragg, Jr. and Nancy Jo (Craig) Vermie, in Des Moines, Iowa and Newburgh, New York. They later moved to Michigan, Texas and then retired in Des Moines. She moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2013 and lived at Keystone Cedars.
Stony had nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, each inheriting her zeal for life. She married Bill Smith, of Des Moines, Iowa, in 2001.
Stony was never without her "bling", stylish wardrobe, laughter and storytelling. Stony’s faith in a loving, merciful God provided her with stamina, strength and grace which she displayed throughout her life.
A private family service will be held later. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and husbands, Jack and Bill.
