Virginia Lee Mountjoy Hope, 96, passed away July 17, 2015. She was born in Richmond to the late William and Virginia Lee Mountjoy.

Virginia was a member of Oxford United Methodist Church and a very active member of the local horse clubs and 4-H equine clubs. She managed Deep Run Hunt Club in Richmond. She was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol Air Force Auxiliary, ferrying planes from base to base during World War II.

Virginia was the former first lady of the city of Suffolk from 1965-1978 and 1990-1992.

Left to cherish her memory are: a daughter, Virginia Lee Hope of Suffolk; a son, James F. Hope Jr. of Suffolk; a cousin, Ray Carter; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved pets, Peanut and Abigail.

She was predeceased by her husband, James Franklin Hope Sr.

A visitation will be held Monday, July 20, 2015, from 7 to 8 p.m. at R.W. Baker & Company Funeral Home and Crematory 509 W. Washington St. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Oxford United Methodist Church with the Rev. Glenn Riggs officiating. Burial will be at Hollylawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oxford United Methodist Church Building Fund, 601 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434 or the Suffolk Humane Society, P.O. Box 5038, Suffolk, Va 23435.

Condolences may be offered at www.rwbakerfh.com.