Metal Meredith

I think most people, as they make the choice to commit to another person, hope it will be forever. For a local couple, it clearly was. Phil and I stood in the driveway as I read this story to him. I hope you will enjoy it, too!

76 years after they married, Lakeside pair die same day

Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 - 12:09 AM Updated: 01:26 AM

By LISA CRUTCHFIELD
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Floyd Schooles often vowed, “I do not want to live one day longer than my wife.”

Virginia Harris Schooles died peacefully Thursday at 12:20 a.m., in bed at their Lakeside home. Floyd followed about 10:15 p.m. in the room he shared with his wife of 76 years.

Both were 99.

Their family said the inseparable couple who still held hands left behind a legacy of love.

“I can’t believe that it worked out the way they always wanted,” granddaughter Cathy Kennedy said.

The couple were profiled in the Richmond Times-Dispatch in February 2007, days after their 75th wedding anniversary. Up until their deaths, both were alert, followed current events and sports, and enjoyed hymns that a caregiver would sing to them in the evenings.

“It was amazing how close they were. It’s almost like their lights were lit off the same torch. It’s the passing of an era,” said their pastor, the Rev. J. Michael Poole of Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church.

They jokingly attributed their longevity to visits to St. Augustine, Fla., where they drank from the Fountain of Youth. They loved children, especially babies. Last week, from their wheelchairs, they handed out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Each worried about outliving the other.

They were able to stay at home with help from a hospice, caregivers and a close-knit family that lives nearby. Their daughter, Betty Bancroft, Kennedy and her brothers Chris and Craig Weis checked in every day.

“The night before Nannie died, Granddaddy asked when her funeral was,” said Kennedy, who was with both at the end. “I said, ‘She’s still alive.’ He said, ‘No. No, she’s not.’ Less than two hours later, she died in her sleep. He knew.”

Floyd’s reaction to her death was predictable, Kennedy said. “He said, ‘Why, oh why, couldn’t I go first?’”

Both had been talking more frequently about wanting to see their mothers, Kennedy said.

In addition to Bancroft, Kennedy and her brothers, survivors include 10 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. The couple share a combined obituary in The Times-Dispatch.

A celebration—Virginia never wanted to call it a funeral—will be held Monday at Hatcher Memorial. The viewing begins at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. They will be buried at Signal Hill Memorial Park in Hanover County.