SPRINGFIELD, IL – Virginia M. Langford, 90, passed away Friday, February 12, 2021, at Bickford of Springfield.

She was born February 22, 1930, to Edward and M. Lillian (Staats) Thompson. She married Thomas L. "Bill" Langford on January 22, 1949, at Central Baptist Church. He preceded her in death in 2008. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Valtille, and brothers; Louis, Walter and Gene Thompson.

Virginia "Ginny" was a member of Central Baptist Church and attended regularly, despite the fact that she never drove a car. After the death of her husband, Bill, she attended with family or friends until she could no longer get out and about. Ginny wore many other hats as well; she was a devoted wife, a wonderful mom, grandma, great-grandma and the greatest neighbor to all. She spent her life taking care of others as what many might call a "homemaker," but she was making more than a place for her family to live. She was providing a place for all who wanted to stop by, to relax and drink a cup of coffee, or have a glass of iced tea. She was even known to fry large amounts of her famous fried chicken legs and share with neighbors. Ginny always had time to sit and chat on her porch, or any other porch on Douglas Avenue. In the late evenings of summer, the neighborhood kids knew which porch to visit to get sugared popcorn, popped on the stovetop, and pitchers of Kool-Aid. She never complained or denied the chance to serve others in this way. Her husband was even known to jingle the ice cubes to get her to run to his side and refill his tea after a hot day of work. She was truly selfless and sacrificing in all that she did.

Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She rarely missed a basketball, soccer, or baseball game for one of her grandkids. She went to countless recitals, school musicals, and other special events that involved the grandchildren. The next day she would recount these events, sometimes multiple times, to friends and neighbors with pride in her eyes. It was apparent how much she loved her grandchildren. She loved all of her children and grandchildren unconditionally. As the great grandbabies began to arrive, she found new joy in holding, talking to, or rocking them for hours. Her heart was the fullest when her hands were holding a baby. Ginny lived a simple life, often sacrificing her wants in order to more fully serve others. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and anyone who knew her. We know she is safe in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and back at the side of her beloved "Bill", along with Kathy and others who have passed before her.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Nancy) Langford; daughters, Karen (Steve) Schoemig, Debbie (Larry) Aldag, Leanne Oswald, Caroline Langford, Betsy (Craig) Martin, and a son in-law, Leslie "Rip" Valtille. She was the proud grandmother to nine grandchildren; Jason Langford, Jennifer (Scott) Russell, Brian Schoemig, Christi (Bryan) Whited, Emily (Bill) Lynch, Brett (Courtney) Oswald, Steven (Ashley) Oswald, Taylor (Scott) Kinkade, Paige Martin and sixteen great-grandchildren with two more on the way. She was also an aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 12 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home with Reverend Josh Sabo officiating. Private family burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park.

The service may be viewed live by clicking here: Virginia Langford Funeral Service

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Central Baptist Church or Alzheimer's Association .