Virginia Henley Bryan, 90, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital.
Virginia was born on June 25, 1935, to the late William Ernest Henley and Ina Hollingsworth Henley in Hickman County.
Virginia was an active and much-loved member of Concord United Methodist Church; she imparted wisdom and grace as a Children's Sunday School teacher. Her faith was further expressed through participation in the Wesley Sunday School Class and the Concord United Methodist Women. Beyond the church doors, she found a home within the Paducah Women's Club, the vibrant Red Hatters, the Birthday Lunch Club, and the McCracken County Homemakers. These associations were not mere pastimes; they were platforms where Virginia cultivated friendships, shared her generous spirit, and enriched her community. She also dedicated many years to clerical positions, first at Southern Textile and then at the Paducah Sun, where she retired.
Virginia was a devoted caregiver, extending her boundless warmth to her family and all in need. She was an avid reader, and her love of cooking was another joy, as she created dishes for family and friends. Her fondness for washing dishes also offered moments of reflection after each shared meal.
Virginia is survived by her two daughters, Kathy McNicols and her husband, Keith of West Paducah, and Karen Doherty of Paducah; a grandson, Joshua McNichols of Paducah; a sister-in-law, Alma Henley Harris of Metropolis, Illinois; her brothers-in-law, Jimmy R. Bryan (Kay) of Newburgh, Indiana, and Cecil Bryan (Doris) of Louisville, Kentucky; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy G. Bryan; a son-in-law, Barry Doherty; three sisters and their husbands, Flossie Katherine Adams (Emerson), Imogene Stone (Edward), and Edith Adams (John); four brothers and their wives, William E. Henley, James E. Henley (Mildred), Lindy Henley (Louise), and Jack R. Henley (Nova).
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Joel Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
The Bryan family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers of Providence Pointe Health Care and Lourdes Hospital ER and ICU.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Rd. Paducah, KY 42001 or a charity of choice.
