Virginia A Brissey

Virginia A. Brissey (nee Sax), 81, of Little Rock passed away Dec. 22, 2013. Virginia grew up in Philadelphia, Pa. She joined the Navy at 19 and was stationed in Memphis, Tenn. where she met her beloved husband Bob Brissey, who was career Navy. They were married 41 years and they traveled the US, raising their family of three children, before settling in San Diego where they spent the next 17 years. She told everyone that they couldn't get the kids to move out, so they did. They settled in Little Rock in 1978. Virginia wrote for a weekly newspaper in Imperial Beach, Calif., finally becoming the editor. She was involved in many volunteer and paid programs involving senior citizens and children. She spent seven years at St. Augustine Senior/Childcare center. She worked for seven years at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock. Virginia loved the children who came there and connected with the teenage counselors who worked there, who still call her Mom. She then went to work for a new program called Kids First for the next 23 years. They opened day care centers for at-risk children all over the state of Arkansas. She was involved in the Child Care Food Program, was the Operations Manager & wore many hats. Virginia loved to travel the world, with multinational organizations such as Rotary, Heifer Project and Sister Cities International. She loved to see and participate in the good they did in the world. Virginia was the first female President of Rotary Club in Little Rock. Virginia was also instrumental in implementing the first Food Bank to open in Arkansas. Virginia served on the boards of many of her favorite charity organizations as well as being involved in her Faith Lutheran Church. She brought joy to so many people all around the globe. She also loved to travel with her 3 dear friends, Mary Dillard, Nan Selz and Judith Faust. Virginia treated her family to cruises and trips so she could enjoy the good fortunes she worked and saved so hard for, and share the time with them. She had a heart bigger than the world and she is loved and will be missed by so many. Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Eugene, son David Fred Brissey, parents, Fred & Anna Sax, and step-father, Dan Morgan. She is survived by her children and grandchildren Douglas Eugene Brissey of Peoria, IL, Donna Virginia Foglio of Imperial Beach, Calif., Karin Abenido of Maumelle, Daniel Eugene Brissey and wife Laurie of Portsmouth, N.H., Christopher David Brissey of North Little Rock, Torri Donna Foglio of Conway, and Joseph Gino Foglio of San Diego, Calif. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Arkansas Food Bank or Faith Lutheran Church. Virginia's body will be cremated & her ashes scattered by the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean where she will join her husband Bob & son David. Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 West 12th St. Little Rock, Ark. 72204 on Thursday, December 26, 2013, followed by a Celebration of Life reception. Please share your messages of love, comfort and support to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.