Virginia “Gin” Snellgrove Bond Watson, 81, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family Sunday, March 2, 2014. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through her fight with lung cancer.

Born January 26, 1933, in Bayou Chene, La., Virginia was known for her kindness and for her ease in conversation even with total strangers. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet demeanor that won the hearts of many through her nurturing love and faith. Her gift of joy and generosity will never be forgotten.

Virginia‘s first career was a mother and homemaker. She’s a member of the First Presbyterian Church for almost 40 years and an active leader of the Women’s Circle and prayer chain.  She was also an active volunteer for the Pearl River County Meals on Wheels, American Cancer Society and American Health Association.

Virginia was preceeded in death by: her parents, Louis and Frances Millet-Snellgrove; first husband, William R. Bond; daughter, Ginger Gail Bond; and sisters, Hyacinth Verret and Selma Dorian.

She’s survived by: her children: William Bond (Jan) of Universal-City, Texas, Elizabeth Ann Cross (Mike) of Picayune, Stanley Bond (Ingrid) of Houston, Texas, Inga Van-Riper (Erik) Santa Clarita, Calif. and Jared Johnson (Amanda) of Slidell, La.; two sisters, Katie Patton of Port Allen, La., and Peggy Verret of Bayou Sorrel, La.  She’s also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 8^th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Picayune. The Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. under the direction for Picayune Funeral Home. Burial will be at New Palestine Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers:  Donations to be made to the First Presbyterian Church’s Sanctuary Restoration Fund or The Crosby Arboretum.

Arrangements are under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home. Please visit our website for the obituary. www.picayunefuneral.com.