Virginia Penny Stancil Fulghum

• Born: Nov. 4, 1921 Johnston, NC
• Died: Dec. 16, 2008 Wilson Medical Center, Wilson, NC


• Buried: Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, Glendale Community, Johnston, NC
• Married: James "Jim" Alton Fulghum on Dec. 4, 1939

Virginia Penny Stancil Fulghum was born Nov. 4, 1921, and died Dec. 16, 2008. She married James Alton Fulghum on Dec. 4, 1939.

Virginia Penny Stancil Fulghum, the youngest daughter of Esther Ann Peedin and Alvin Roscoe Stancil, was born on November 4, 1921, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She was a granddaughter of John Thomas Stancil. Virginia was delivered at home by Aunt Cynthia Cockrell, a neighbor and midwife, and was named Penny in honor of her maternal grandmother, Penny Boyette Peedin.

Virginia grew up in a vibrant farming community, surrounded by a large network of relatives and close friends. Her Uncles Henry, George, and Harvey Stancil, along with their many children, lived nearby. Virginia cherished fond memories of syrup-making days at Uncle George's, where Uncle Harvey assisted, and the children would joyfully scoop up spun sugar candy from the cane syrup with tiny brushes.

After her Grandma Peedin passed away, Grandpa Sanders often stayed with his various daughters, residing with Esther and Alvin for about a year. Whenever Esther needed to leave the house, she would ask her children to "stay around the yard, in case your grandpa needs me." Young Virginia consistently took on this responsibility, demonstrating an early sense of care and duty.

Developing Passions and Character Virginia's adventurous spirit was evident from a young age. Around 1927, Uncle Henry took her fishing behind Alvin's house. While Uncle Henry caught nothing, Virginia proudly reeled in a single redfin – an event that sparked her lifelong enthusiasm for fishing. Excited, she laid her catch in the pump house and raced inside to share the news with her mother, only to find the fish gone upon her return, likely claimed by one of the family cats!

Music was a vital part of the Stancil home. Alvin played the violin, and Esther played the guitar. Esther taught Virginia and Glenn major chords on the guitar, and they both became proficient guitarists. Glenn often played while he and Virginia sang "On the Isle of Capri," a cherished family favorite.

Virginia's father, Alvin, was a renowned and respected horse trader and trainer. One day, Alvin challenged a hesitant seven-year-old Virginia, saying, "Go into that stall, run that red horse out." When Virginia expressed fear, Alvin wisely replied, "If I thought that horse would hurt you, I wouldn't send you in there." This experience taught Virginia to face her fears early on, a lesson that resonated with her throughout her life, as she successfully ran the horse out without incident.

Her talents extended to performance as well. When she was seven, Virginia and her cousin Norma (Uncle George's granddaughter) sang a duet of "I Don't Want to Play in Your Yard" in a school program at Glendale School. When her father opened a new neighborhood store, The Shop House, he entrusted a nine-year-old Virginia to run it, recognizing her maturity, good judgment, and friendly demeanor.

Virginia also played a unique role in rescuing baby turkeys. Her mother, Esther, raised chickens, turkeys, and geese. Virginia observed that when it rained, baby turkeys would often remain outside, looking up at the sky and allowing raindrops to fill their nostrils, nearly drowning. Virginia would come to their rescue, gently picking them up and drying them by the fire, earning a reputation for her success at "turkey rescue." She also noted that geese were superior mothers, hissing angrily when she gathered their eggs and fiercely protecting their goslings.

Faith, Marriage, and Career

Virginia grew up attending Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, where she was baptized by Preacher Fred Allen. This church was also central to her Uncles Henry and John. As an active member of the Women of the Church, Virginia dedicated herself to furthering God's teachings in every way she could.

In 1934, Virginia met her future husband, James Alton Fulghum, through her cousins, Vessie or Patsey (Uncle Harvey's daughters). Their first date was a movie in Selma. Jim's father managed a farm for the railroad and was also a blacksmith. Virginia was 18 and Jim was 27 when Preacher Charles Fred Allen married them in Virginia's home on December 4, 1939. Virginia wore a green wool suit with mink fur trim. Among those attending were Esther, Glenn, Donell, Pluma and her husband Clement Sullivan, Jim's sister Mammie, Emma Lee Godwin (Uncle Henry's granddaughter), G.I. Stancil (Uncle George's son), and family friend Geraldine Pittman. Virginia and Jim honeymooned in Durham. They initially settled in a Selma apartment but soon moved to Norfolk, Virginia, in pursuit of better job opportunities at the Naval Air Station. Jim became a skilled metalsmith and expert welder, while Virginia forged a career at the Navy Supply Center in Norfolk. Virginia even taught her mother, Esther, to drive, making Esther the only daughter-in-law of John Thomas Stancil who could drive.

Retirement and Legacy

In 1972, Virginia and Jim retired to Glendale, where they built a beautiful brick home. With more leisure time, Virginia enthusiastically pursued her favorite pastime: fishing. She had a remarkable knack for it. One day at Nags Head, observing people effortlessly catching fish, Virginia wished she could join the fun. Jim quickly bought her a hand line, and she began catching fish with seemingly endless success. Often, Esther would join them on these fishing trips. Virginia delighted in sharing her abundant catch with relatives and neighbors.

Virginia maintained close contact with her siblings and cousins, living across the road from Glenn and Donell. Whenever the family gathered, Virginia was sure to be there, a steadfast presence. She was at every Stancil Reunion that was possible.

Virginia Penny Stancil Fulghum passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, NC, surrounded by her loving family. Her funeral was held at Center Ridge Presbyterian Church in the Glendale Community, NC, at 3 p.m. on December 19, 2008.

Virginia is buried beside her beloved husband, Jim, in the Center Ridge Cemetery in the Glendale Community of Johnston County.

Virginia cherished poetry, and her favorite was Rudyard Kipling's "When Earth's Last Picture is Painted."

Virginia will be remembered for her dedication to sharing family history, her profound pride in her Stancil heritage, and her role as a goodwill ambassador who consistently promoted the Stancil Family and acknowledged their significant contributions to the Glendale Community. For many years, Virginia assisted in making the reunion lemonade and tirelessly publicized the event in local newspapers. She diligently kept up with family news, ensuring that their rich heritage was never forgotten, and challenged everyone to keep the memories of their past alive as they shaped their future.