Vannie Gay Birch

Vannie Gay Birch of Malvern, Arkansas was called home to our Lord on January 9, 2014. Gay was born December 27, 1929 to Monroe and Erma Donahoo Brady. Raised during the Great Depression and World War II, Gay exhibited the tenacity, work ethic, faith and charity that characterized her generation. Gay married James Owen Birch on April 4, 1948, and theirs was a true partnership in every sense of the word. They lovingly raised four children. During a time when most women did not work outside the home, Gay was a partner for 36 years in Birch Insurance Agency. She was a dedicated servant to her beloved community, serving as a member of the Malvern Park Commission, Malvern City Council and the First United Methodist Church choir. Gay was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Association and received the Outstanding Volunteer award from the State Little League in 1995 in recognition of her 30 years of service. Gay taught Sunday school and was active in the UMC Circle. Gay is preceded in death by her husband, James Owen, her parents, a daughter, Mary Jane, two sisters, Mary Means and Janice Stueart, and a grandson, Jay Lusinger. She is survived by her children, Linda Birch Cannon of Malvern, Peggy Birch Lusinger of Malvern Bill Birch of Malvern, and Jim H and Charla Birch of Dallas. She is also survived by her brother Dale Brady and his wife Jackie of Little Rock, a sister, Erma Jane Doughty and her husband Bob of San Diego, Calif., 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are Dyka Lusinger, Jacob Lusinger, Joshua Lusinger, Bryon Birch, Austin Birch, Haley Birch, Hannah Birch, Zach Lusinger and Brandon Lusinger. Honorary pallbearers are Hunter Birch, Dylan Birch, Nathan Lusinger and the Choir of the First United Methodist Church of Malvern. Gay's family expresses lasting gratitude to the caregivers who treated her with kindness and made it possible for her to remain in the home she loved so much--Darlene Byrd, Beverly Sparlin and Peggy Bailey. A celebration of her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Malvern, 127 East Page Avenue in Malvern at 2 p.m. on Sunday January 12, 2014 with Rev. Lavon Post officiating. Visitation will be at J.A. Funk Funeral Home, 318 Ash Street in Malvern from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014. Interment will be at Oakridge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Malvern or Malvern Boys and Girls Club.