Virginia Ann Zimmerman

A memorial service for Virginia Ann Zimmerman, 70, of Coos Bay will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 11 at GracePointe Church, 10750 SE 42nd Ave. in Milwaukie. A local memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 12 at Skyline Baptist Church, 3451 Liberty St. in North Bend.

Virginia Ann Hawver was born May 3, 1947 in Hawthorne, Calif., to Clement and Nellie Hawver. Joining her were two older sisters, Shirley and Delores; a brother, Ronald; and a younger sister, Nancy.

Her early years were in California where her father worked for Douglas Aircraft. Virginia graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland, where she was active on the speech and debate team.

She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in history and elementary education. There, she met Allan Zimmerman, and they were married July 11, 1969 at Montavilla Baptist Church. She taught elementary education in Portland and helped put Al through Western Seminary. She served faithfully beside him during years of ministry, beginning in Pendleton. It was there that Rebecca Mary joined the family on March 12, 1973.

They served in Newberg, Ore. and Seattle, Wash. where Mark Jason was born Feb. 4, 1977. In 1979 when they moved to Milwaukie, Virginia’s primary career was as a sales clerk and store manager for Portland Rent All and The Party Place. This rental store, first purchased by her father, has seen four generations of the Hawver family involved.

For many years the family lived in Gladstone and worshipped at GracePointe First Baptist Church of Milwaukie. In 2013, the Zimmermans relocated to Coos Bay and joined Skyline Baptist Church.

One of the delights of their retirement years was a motorhome that enabled them to travel and see many parts of the United States. As a part of the motorhome lifestyle, they joined several chapters of the Family Motor Coach Association, Northwest Trek Fun Club, Oregon/Washington Coaches for Christ, and the Oregon River Ramblers.

Virginia was an avid learner, reader, and few could beat her at Words with Friends. Her greatest passion was her grandchildren and she cross-stitched a Christmas ornament for each one every year.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Allan Zimmerman of Coos Bay; daughter, Rebecca Thomas and Rick of Beavercreek; son, Mark Zimmerman and Amanda of McMinnville; four grandchildren, Carter and Blake Thomas, and Pheobe and Beatrice Zimmerman; sisters, Shirley Knott of Florida, Delores Manning of Portland and Kona, Hawaii, and Nancy Hawver of Portland; aunt, Lovella Graig of Cobden, Ill.; and cousins in Illinois and Montana.

Her life will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her Lord and savior and her family. Her desire was that those who were closest to her would walk with the Lord and honor him throughout their lives.

Memorial contributions may be made to Skyline Baptist Church, 3451 Liberty St., North Bend, OR 97459 or Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Ave. West, Seattle, WA 98119.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com.

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