Virginia Swift, also known as Ginny, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023, in Raleigh, North Carolina three weeks before her 103rd birthday. She was born Ethel Virginia Grahl on January 18, 1921, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Oliver (Ollie) Asbury Grahl and Florence Mae Hinchey. Virginia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph Cole Swift.

After graduating from Bristol Tennessee High School (Class of 1940), Virginia continued her education at Knoxville General Hospital Training School for Nurses (Knoxville, Tennessee) receiving her Registered Nurse certificate in 1945. She earned certification as an Obstetrics nurse at Boston Lying In Hospital - Harvard University (Boston, MA)

Virginia had a remarkable career as a Registered Nurse, specializing in Surgical Nursing, Obstetrics, and Geriatric Nursing. She shared her expertise by teaching nursing at Virginia Intermont College and for the Bristol and Abingdon, Virginia School Boards. Virginia also served as the Director of Nursing and Director of In-Service Training for various skilled nursing facilities in eastern Tennessee and Virginia Beach, VA. Additionally, she worked as a private duty nurse on occasion.

Virginia studied Art at East Tennessee State University and generously shared her artwork with family and friends. She was also a talented seamstress, creating beautiful clothing for her loved ones, including designing and crafting a wedding dress for her daughter. In addition to her deep passion for gardening, Virginia had a deep affection for cats and rescued many throughout her lifetime.

Virginia is survived by her daughters, Judith Swift Allison (James), Betty Swift Rouse, and Charlotte Swift Kirk, as well as her son, Joseph Swift Jr. She will be lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Hillary Jordan (Mark), her grandson, Trevor Kirk, her granddaughter, Darcy Toffton, and her great-grandsons, Wylliam Wulf and Jacob Toffton. Survivors also include various nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center for the attentive care extended to Virginia. A very special Thank You to Jackie Dunn. Jackie provided loving care above and beyond the call of duty. We can never thank her enough for her devotion.

The family will hold a private service to honor Virginia's life. The Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory in Raleigh, North Carolina, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

A forerunner of the modern woman, Virginia was wife, mother, nurse, teacher and mentor to the many people she touched over her lifetime.

Virginia's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. May she rest in peace.