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Stories

  • Ann Lee Saunders Brown’s Special Gift

    After an amazing life of 101 years, Ann Lee Saunders Brown passed away in February, 2020.  She was the daughter of Edmund Archer and Jane Quinn Saunders; and the sister of Jane Q. Saunders.  The Saunders family has supported The Virginia Home for generations, including the endowment of resident rooms earlier in our history.

    A plaque memorializing Ann Lee’s father hangs in our hallway to this day.  For many years Ann Lee quietly supported The Home, right up to the time of her passing.   We received notice that she had also included The Home in her estate plan.  In February, 2021 her gift of $1,000,000.00 arrived to be added to our endowment fund.  What a wonderful way to continue the relationship in a perpetual way.  We are so fortunate to have earned her love and support and only wish we could have thanked her more for these blessings during her lifetime.

  • Our Largest Legacy Gift, Ever

    Bill and Peggy Motley were childhood sweethearts.

    They grew up in the same neighborhood and before he got a car, she used to ride on the handlebars of his bicycle. As a young man Bill served in the Army during WWII, seeing combat in Italy and France. After the war, he began working for Philip Morris as a mechanic maintaining all the cigarette manufacturing machines. Peggy worked as a telephone operator until their daughter Debbie, who was disabled at birth, was born.

    Yearning for a bit of freedom and independence, Debbie came to The Virginia Home as a young woman. We know that Debbie loved her life here and was able to greatly expand her friendships and horizons. Until her death in 2015, Debbie had lived at The Home for 35 years – more than half her life. During that time, the Motleys were consistent volunteers and donors. Upon the death of first Bill, and then Peggy Motley in 2018, The Home was provided their ultimate gift – a bequest of $6.1 million. We will forever be grateful for their model of generosity, a legacy for generations to come.

    Learn More about Legacy Giving

  • Giving Story: Addie Mae & Chris Asbury

    Photo of Chris and Addy

    “At age 11, my son Chris was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  It was the worst news a mother could receive.

    Following surgery and radiation, Chris returned to school. It was difficult for him during those years, but I encouraged him to study hard because once he received his diploma, no one could ever take that away.  Chris was among the top of his class in school.  I was so proud of him then, and I am even more proud now, because of the challenges he has bravely faced over the last 38 years.

    Six years ago, Chris began having strokes, and I could no longer care for him.  I had assured Chris that he would always have a home with me – but I had to break my promise.  Leaving him behind at that first nursing facility was the greatest heartache of my life.  It wasn’t the life I wanted for my son.

    The day I walked through the front doors of The Virginia Home, I knew Chris had found his new home.  Our experience here has been an answer to prayers.  I thank God for Mary Tinsley Greenhow, founder of The Virginia Home, and the legacy she left to others 125 years ago.”