Virginia Langford Powers Koester joined the Heavenly Choir on Monday, May 4, 2020. Born on July 27, 1935 to William Jefferson and Clara Vines Langford, Virginia grew up in in LaGrange, GA. In her childhood, she was deeply rooted in her faith and steadfast in her love for others. She is survived by her beloved husband of 16 years, Eugene Koester of Pinopolis, SC; her daughter, Mary (Tom) of Lexington, SC; sons, Davis (Angela) of Johns Island, SC and Bill (Stephanie) of Tampa, FL. She adored her grandchildren: Tripp Brunson (Jamie), Rebecca White (Andrew), and Layton Powers (Gracie), and was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Thomas and Ben Brunson, Drew and Mary Davis White, Emily and Jay Chaplin, and Ellyanna, Elijah, and William Powers. In addition, she cherished her step-children: Hansel Koester (Tammi), Stephen Koester (Terri), and Tony Koester (Tanis) and their families, and her brother-in-law, Alan Koester. Virginia was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Davis Powers. After graduating from LaGrange High School, Virginia attended LaGrange College as a music (vocal performance) major and met Davis Powers, her first husband, when she sang in his church choir. After their marriage in 1955, she moved to Estill, South Carolina where she and Davis taught music in the public schools and built a musical legacy with their renowned Powers School of Music. “Miss Virginia” influenced the lives of many through her kindness and generosity as she nurtured their love for beautiful music. While under her tutelage, they also learned that all people are worthy and should be treated as such. Virginia earned a BS in Psychology at Charleston Southern University and a MAT from The Citadel. She studied voice with Melba Day, Madame Gilbert, Fred Parker, Davis Powers, Vernon Weston, Donald Gray and Tom Brunson. She performed major roles with the Charleston Opera Company, sang solos for the Citadel Chapel Choir, the Baptist College at Charleston Choir, the Salkehatchie Singers and the Hampton County Choral Society. A lifelong learner with diverse interests, she also studied at the University of South Carolina, University of Georgia, and University of Connecticut, and USC Salkehatchie. After her retirement from Estill Public Schools and Powers School of Music, she served as Minister of Music at Sandy Run Baptist Church until 2010. While perhaps best known for her glorious voice, her inner and outer beauty, and her infectious energy, Virginia was also an avid baker, reader, artist, Pomeranian dog mom, and bird watcher. Guests in her home enjoyed the best caramel cake on the planet, Charlotte Russe, strawberry shortcake, or divinity. During each beach vacation, her family was treated to their fill of homemade biscuits and her trademark Garden City pancakes. More than anything, Virginia, known as “Nanny” to her grandchildren, adored her family and friends, and they adored her as well. How lucky we were to know her on Earth and to hold her hand while she joined the angels in Heaven. Due to the Corona virus pandemic, there will be a private family burial at Lawtonville Cemetery on Thursday, May 7 th at 11:00 A.M. Memorials may be made to the Eugene Koester Scholarship Fund at Charleston Southern University (c/o David Baggs, Vice-President for Development, Charleston Southern University, 9200 University Blvd., Charleston, SC 29406), the Lawtonville Cemetery Association (P.O. Box 200, Estill, SC 29918), the Nixville Relief Fund (3915 Two Sisters Ferry Rd., Estill, South Carolina 29918), the Music Fund at Mt. Hebron UMC (3050 Leaphart Rd., West Columbia, SC 29169), or the Music Fund at John Wesley UMC (626 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407). The family wishes to thank Delores Harris of Moncks Corner and Virginia’s special caregivers at Wellmore of Lexington. Your kindnesses will always be remembered.
Posted in: pbinfo.com
Posted on: 2020-05-20
Link to original obituary: