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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Virginia Bragg
VIRGINIA BERNYCE BRAGG
Cedar Rapids
Virginia Bernyce Bragg, "Stony," our own yellow rose of Texas, died on Aug. 23, 2018, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although she moved far from where she was born on April 3, 1927, in Rising Star, Texas, Stony never lost her Texas accent, love of country music or quick witticisms.
As one of six girls (Leota, Lenora, Betty, Wilda and JoAnn) born to Ella (Teagarden) and David Burnice Stoneking, she learned early the significance and joy of sisterhood, lifelong friendship and family.
Stony met and married a handsome airman, John Clair Bragg "Jack" in 1945. Jack and Stony raised three children, Marjorie Ella (Charlie) Ross, John Clair (Janet LeClair) Bragg Jr. and Nancy Jo (Craig) Vermie, in Des Moines, Iowa, and Newburgh, N.Y. They later moved to Michigan and Texas before retiring in Des Moines. She moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 2013 and lived at Keystone Cedars.
Stony had nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, each inheriting her zeal for life. She married Bill Smith, of Des Moines, Iowa, in 2001.
Stony was never without her "bling," stylish wardrobe, laughter and storytelling. Stony's faith in a loving, merciful God provided her with stamina, strength and grace, which she displayed throughout her life.
A private family service will be held later. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; and husbands, Jack and Bill.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.
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