Virginia Williams Cone

Virginia Williams Cone, 93, of Cedar Rd., Woodbridge, beloved wife of 57 years to Winston Cone, passed away on December 15, 2005 after a prolonged illness. Born June 27, 1912 in Noble, IL, a daughter of the late George W. and Ella Madden Williams. After growing up in Noble, IL on the family farm, Virginia was one of the few from her town to go to college. She attended Blackburn University and graduated from the University of Illinois Summa Cum Laude in 1943 with a Bachelors Degree and Summa Cum Laude in 1946 with her Masters Degree in History. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. It was during her time at the University of IL that she met her wonderful husband. Together they embarked on a career of teaching and traveling, concentrating on Africa where they lived for a number of years in Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya. In 1967 Virginia and her family returned to the United States where they both became teachers at Southern Connecticut State University. Virginia, a History Professor, was at SCSU until her retirement in 1982, but continued teaching part-time until falling ill in 1999. She was pivotal in developing the Phenix Society which explored the spiritual and intellectual aspects of the last third of life and beyond. Also, from the 1970's until 1999 Virginia conducted over 25 tours to international destinations, including Africa, Asia and Australia. She is the author of three books; one on retail sales and two on Africa. While respecting the differences between the sexes, Virginia always worked towards helping women of all ages, whether in Africa or the U.S., to achieve their full potential. She was an amazing women who touched many lives all over the world. Besides her husband she leaves her children Leslie Meyer, and her husband Richard of Cape Cod; Janice Cummings of Minneapolis, MN, and Winston G. Cone and his wife Michelle of Long Valley, NJ. Also, son-in-law Judge Robert McWeeny. Eight grandchildren Adam, Sarah, Jessica, Tucker, Shane, Colin, Abigail, Christie and Danielle and four greatgrandchildren Gavin, Kiernan, Paxton and Peyton. Pre-deceased by a daughter Henrietta Marie McWeeny, and three siblings. A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Christ in Woodbridge on Wednesday, December 21st at 2pm. Family and Friends may call at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Tuesday, December 20th from 4pm - 6pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made out to the Cone Scholarship Fund at SCSU Foundation, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, CT 06515. To see obituary or send a condolence please see obituaries @ www.beecherandbennett.com.