Violet Marie Whipkey
Violet Marie Whipkey, 95, of Nemacolin, passed away Sunday, August 14, 2022, in Miramar Beach, Fla.
Violet was born April 30, 1927, in Mount Sterling. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Clarance Ferree, and Bessie Blanche Clevinger Ferree.
Violet graduated from Schenley High School in Pittsburgh in 1947 and earned her RN from Brownsville Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. Violet had a long nursing career that took her many places. Violet formally resided and practiced in Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Violet was a nursing instructor at Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, and traveled to Antigua, in the British West Indies, where she exchanged ideas at the school of nursing.
Violet worked at WVU Medicine since the mid 1970s, and at Chestnut Ridge Hospital since it opened in 1987. When asked about her words of wisdom for her fellow nurses, she often said, “Just always remember, the patients come first. If the patients weren’t here, we wouldn’t need to be here, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Violet also loved taking care of her coworkers. Violet often prepared coffee and food for the Chestnut Ridge night shift. Her apple pies, brownies, meatballs and roasts were known to be outstanding.
Violet continued her work throughout the Covid pandemic, without concerns or complaints, and completed her nursing career in December 2021. Violet had a simple reason for her longevity: “Hard work”.
Violet is survived by her sons, Dane Whipkey of Atlanta, Ga., and Charles Whipkey of Pittsburgh.
She is also survived by her daughter, Lottie Davis (Jeff Davis) of Miramar Beach.
She is survived by four grandchildren, including Amber Bradley, William Grande, Jack Grande and Chase Grande; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Grande.
Family and friends will be welcomed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of a service, Saturday, August 20, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, Paul M. Lesako, owner/supervisor, 724-966-5100. Burial will follow at Laurel Point Cemetery.