Virginia Mae Eastham

Wife, mother, aunt, friend, church member, civic volunteer, co-worker, matriarch. These titles and more are applicable as we offer tributes to our beloved Virginia Mae Eastham; our Mom, Memaw, Aunt, Ginny Mae to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her over a remarkable 97 years of life. So beloved as the last surviving member of her family, the extended family of nephews and nieces made annual pilgrimages to Somerset to visit and be near her and their cousins long after their own parents had died. She departed this life on Friday, April 14, 2023, having attained the age of 97 years.
Ginny Mae spent her life loving her family and friends, always ready to share a cup of coffee,and with an inimitable smile and laugh, she reveled in a funny story or good joke. Her kindness was evident in all those who gathered around her table, sharing meals and making memories. She was a faithful friend to dozens, calling to check in or sending cards for every occasion.
Virginia Mae Eastham was born in Somerset on September 13,1925, daughter of the late William Hobert and Amanda Alexander VanHook. She graduated Somerset High School in 1944, and headed to Richmond Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University, where she graduated in 1946 with a teaching degree. She taught for a few years at Parker Elementary School, and spent the majority of her work life with Sears, Roebuck and Company in the catalog store in Somerset. Many customers came through the doors in those years, and were greeted by her friendly smile. She retired from the company after decades of service.
Ginny Mae served the Somerset community, heavily involved with the Junior Woman’s Club and Somerset Woman’s Club. Central to her life was her faith and Christian life. She was Somerset First Baptist Church’s oldest and longest member, having joined the church November 22, 1936. She joyously served in numerous roles over the decades including as Sunday School teacher, Girl’s Auxiliary Leader, Circle member and leader and more. She and husband James “Onion” Eastham could be found every Sunday at the church’s early service. She leaves a legacy of love and service in her family. Virginia married James Arthur “Onion” Eastham June 19,1947 and they shared over 63 years together until his death December 28, 2010. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Carl Richard VanHook (World
War II), William Howard VanHook, Joseph Curtis VanHook, Edward Dewey VanHook and sister Lois Ann VanHook Combs. Preserving her memory are her children James “Jimmy” Carl Eastham (Glenda), Howard Wayne Eastham (Yvette), and Lisa Ann Eastham Bandy (Dwight) and seven grandchildren Darby (Michelle) Eastham, Molly (Brian) Dalton, Heather (Tony)Ritchie, Holli (David) Hughes, Heidi (Steve) Dunagan, Meredith Eastham and Micah Eastham.
She had ten great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was cherished by a host of nephews and nieces as she remained the focus of family gatherings for years.
The family will receive visitors at Pulaski Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 19 beginning at 11:00 until time for the services at 1:00 at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Mill Springs National Cemetery. It is not an overstatement to say that our Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and close friend was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman – (Proverbs 31:28-31) “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the
Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

In lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Childrens Ministry at First Baptist Church, 128 N. Main Street, Somerset, KY 42501 or the Activities Department at Somerset Nursing and Rehabilitation 106 Gover Street, Somerset, KY 42501 

 

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Virginia Eastham.