Palestine High School Alumni Association

07 / 03 / 1925  –  09 / 20 / 2004

Virginia Katherine Salmon, age 79, entered into eternal rest on September 20, 2004. She was born July 3, 1925, to Allan and Clara F. Hamlett in Palestine, Texas. With the exception of her Marine Corp Service in 1945-46 and a brief residency in Delaware in 1947, she was a lifelong resident of Palestine. Virginia graduated from Palestine High School in 1942. After her return to Palestine in 1947, she attended Nixon’s Business College of Palestine.

Virginia called herself a “tomboy.” She loved sports and participated in baseball and volleyball during her school years. She also played in Palestine’s professional softball league in the 1950s. But her biggest love was “those Cowboys.” Many cold December days found Virginia and her friends seated in the Cotton Bowl rooting for the “boys.”

Because of her strong commitment to her community, Virginia served many years as the volunteer treasurer of the United Way of Palestine. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Palestine Women’s Bowling Association. She served as secretary for the group. Bowling allowed her to pursue her favorite pastime of traveling as she traveled the state to participate in bowling tournaments.

During her years of public service, former Sheriff Roy Herrington appointed her a Special Deputy Sheriff. She was thrilled. Virginia worked for 18 years in the Anderson County Tax Collector’s office during the terms of Carrie Pryor and Agnes Rogers. She left the courthouse to work as the bookkeeper for The Jay Shop for nine years. She returned to the courthouse as the elected County Treasurer in the ’80s. She retired from that position in April 1993.

Virginia was a 50-plus year member of First United Methodist Church and a member of the Victor Sunday School Class. After her retirement, she enjoyed travel and reading. Virginia spent her last days residing at Cartmell Home where she loved playing bingo.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Eldean Salmon. She is survived by one son, Barry L. Salmon of Mesquite; his wife, Ellen and granddaughter, Kristine; one daughter, Suzanne Meaux of Palestine; her husband, David and grandson, Jeff Nicholson; granddaughter, Jennifer Crenshaw; great-grandson, C.J. McRae; and two great-granddaughters, Cara and Katelyn Ferris; sisters, Aline Douglass of Fort Worth and Betty Meyer of Carrollton; aunt and uncle, Thelma and Clifford Bassett of Palestine; uncle, Jim Frank Taylor of Elkhart; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her family, her passing will be greatly felt by great friends, Shirley Mallard, Lucille Herrington and Billie Jasinski.

Graveside services under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 in the Chapel of the Air in Herrington/Land of Memory Cemetery on U.S. 287 toward Corsicana. Visitation for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home, 3434 S. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas. The services will be conducted by Bill Haney, longtime friend and Sunday School member, and the Rev. Scott Dornbush, pastor of First United Methodist Church. Members of the Victor Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas, 75701; or to First United Methodist Church Sanctuary Remodeling Fund, 422 S. Magnolia St., Palestine, Texas, 75801.

Palestine Herald-Press September 21, 2004