Obituaries

Virginia Josephine Gilman

Virginia Josephine Gilman died Monday, May 2 at Alexian Village. A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, she was the daughter of Virginia Benham Frazier and Fred B Frazier. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Bouton Gilman Jr. and brother, French Benham Frazier as well as daughters Virginia Harris and Julie Petroutson. She is survived by her daughter, Betsy Gilman and husband Tom Fink and a grandson, Rodney Lewis and his wife, Michelle.

Jo Gilman graduated from Lookout Mtn. School, Girls Preparatory School, Stephens College,and the University of Chattanooga. She was a member of Signal Mtn. Presbyterian Church and Chattanooga Junior League and was a Bible Teacher in the Public schools with the Bible in the Schools program.

A memorial service will be held Sunday May 8th at 3pm in the chapel at Alexian Village on Signal Mountain. As she requested, her body was donated to medical science.

Virginia Jo Frazier is quite a name in some circles in the Chattanooga area, particularly to residents over the age of 80. Virginia Jo was a media sensation because she was kidnapped and held for four days in 1927. Returned unharmed, she was the subject of many newspaper articles during that time. The photograph of young Virginia Jo shows her celebrating on the day she returned home after the kidnapping. In 1945, Virginia Jo worked for the US government after World War II as a registrar in Miami, FL, responsible for signing in US soldiers returning from Europe, often as former prisoners of war.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Signal Mtn. Presbyterian Church or Bible in the Schools, Box 4228, Chattanooga, TN.

Published May 5, 2022

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