PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Virbie Lula Hixson, 96, of Piedmont was born on June 6, 1907, in Ellsinore, Mo., and died Oct. 11, 2003, in Clark's Mountain Nursing Center. She was the daughter of Zack and Barbara Graham Stephens.

She was married at St. Louis to Lawrence Hixson, who preceded her in death on Jan. 1, 1958. Also preceding were her parents, five brothers and five sisters.

She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church with her membership being in Trinity United Methodist Church. She served on several church boards and committees and was a member of the Martha Ann Circle. She was a past member and worthy matron of Eastern Star and a past member and president of the 20th Century Club. She retired as a seamstress for the New Era Shirt Factory in Piedmont.

Survivors include three daughters, Lois Boston and husband Tom of Cape Girardeau, Miriam Ward and husband Carr of West Plains, Mo., and JoAnn Carter and husband Bob of Piedmont; six grandchildren, Tuck Boston, Terry Boston, Carr L. Ward, Rob Carter, Jody Carter and Cindy Price; 12 great-grandchildren; and 2 stepgreat-grandchildren.

Funeral for Mrs. Hixson will be held today with burial following in the Masonic Cemetery in Piedmont.