Virginia Burgess

Virginia Burgess, 81, died peacefully on May 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after fighting a brief illness. She was born in Long Beach, CA on January 12, 1945, to Phillip and Bernice Ferguson. She was a member of the Order of Immaculate Heart in California before she moved to Arkansas in 1968. She was a teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Marche, AR for 10 years and St Mary’s in North Little Rock.

Virginia was a lifelong learner and decided to obtain her Master’s degree in education while raising her five children. She eventually decided to change careers and began her 40 plus year journey in the insurance and funeral industry. She began at Griffin Leggett where she helped countless people during the most difficult of times with her caring nature. She was an excellent writer and always made sure each family she met felt as if she knew their loved one on a personal level. Brad Leggett knew that when he opened Little Rock Funeral Home that he wanted Virginia because he knew what a gem he had. She was with Little Rock Funeral Home starting in 2005 until Brad retired. The story is that when he was retiring, he made sure Virginia would have a place with her now Smith Funeral Home family where she remained until her passing. Her work ethic was like no other as you never saw her without a job.

Virginia was an avid reader and loved her shows on PBS and Brit Box. She loved to do puzzles and just spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed being outdoors and spent many years camping and exploring Arkansas with her companion of many years that we called Mr. Ray until his passing in 1994. She also enjoyed her work family and the fun they had at various events and the annual Christmas parties. At her 80th birthday last year, her work family could not say enough beautiful things about her. She loved them like family.

Virginia is survived by her children Kim (Scott), Jennifer (Brent), Christy (Leo), Chase (Cody), and Gary (Nikki). She is also survived by her sister Dorothy (Rob) and her brother Johnny. Virginia loved her grandchildren Beatriz, Alejandro, Braeden, Kaitlyn, Christian, Alex, Austan and Heather. She also loved her 3 great granddaughters. Virginia was preceded in death by her mother Bernice and father Phillip, nephew Scott Lundgren and longtime companion Ray Kiehl.

Virginia also loved her “bonus” children Selena, Beverly, Staci, Erin, Lenora, Cheryl, Leann, Laura, Brandy and Ryan.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the following people for their love and support through the years and especially during the recent few weeks.

We would like to thank Brad Leggett for always making our momma feel like family and taking care of her even after his retirement. Mandy Engel Butler for being a constant source of support and loving on her and even our entire family. David Dillahunty for always parking her car and taking her to doctor appointments and being there. We also want to thank the numerous friends she made during her time with the Smith Family.

We would lastly like to thank the staff at Baptist Springhill ICU, Jessica, Tyler, Wendy and Christy were the most thoughtful and caring RNs who cared for our momma like she was their own mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. For service information, please visit smithfamilycares.com.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Lonoke, AR.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.