Life of Dr. Virginia Connally Celebrated in Memorial Service

(ABILENE, Texas)–A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Virginia Connally took place on Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. in the main sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Abilene.

Dr. Phil Christopher, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Abilene, was the first to speak to the many family members and friends of Connally. In a time of grief, Christopher spoke about why Virginia’s passing should also be celebrated. “She lives not only in our hearts and memories, but today with the Lord,” said Christopher. “Today she sees and she hears. She’s probably showing St. Peter her most recent book,” he joked. Christopher ended with an encouraging statement, saying, “On that Sunday she saw her Lord face to face…today that is why we can worship and we can sing of God’s assurance.”

Hymns of praise were sung by a choir at the service, including “Blessed Assurance” and “Victory in Jesus”.

Kent Parks, son of former missionaries Helen Jean and Keith Parks, spoke on behalf of his family, who have long-standing connections with Hardin-Simmons and with Connally. Helen Jean Parks is an alumna of HSU and a member of the HSU Hall of Leaders. Kent Parks spoke of Connally’s “legacy of love for those who have never heard the gospel” that he and his family witnessed over the years.

In the years that Helen Jean and Keith Parks were missionaries in Indonesia, Virginia and Ed Connally donated to their missionary salary so they could make a living. Connally was very involved in helping the (then called) Foreign Mission Board Southern Baptist by funding and acting as an intercessor. She also helped other missionary and outreach organizations, that in turn built up many Christians and churches over the years. Parks spoke about the amount of resolve it takes to be a servant, concluding, “Virginia had that resolve. May we be found worthy.”

Every person who spoke at the service mentioned the generosity and love she gave to everyone she knew. Hardin-Simmons University will miss Dr. Virginia Connally, but we are thankful for all she did for the school and surrounding community in her lifetime.

Video of the service was recorded and is available to view on the First Baptist Church’s website.