Virginia E. Autry

It is with great sorrow and heartbreak that we announce the passing of Virginia Ellen Autry, 85, of Carlsbad, NM. Virginia passed away Sunday, October 16, 2022 at her home after a long battle with cancer. A grave side service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 27th at Sunset Garden Cemetery.

Virginia was born in Conchas Dam, New Mexico on June 1, 1937 to Clyde and Lula Mae Teague. Virginia grew up with her sister Ellen, who unfortunately, passed away at a very young age. When Virginia was a young girl, her family gave her the nickname Picky and this stuck with her throughout her life.

Virginia had 5 children that she was extremely proud of and she loved each of them dearly. Connie Young and her husband Larry, JC Bratcher and his partner Joyce Schulte, Sherrie Bratcher, Darwin Bratcher and his wife Terry, and Nolan Autry and his wife Judy will all miss Virginia and her beautiful, funny, loving, and generous soul.

Virginia’s grandchildren Rusty Young and wife Diane, Tammy Bowden and partner Eric Lyles, JB Bratcher and wife Ami, Troy Bratcher, Jeremy Bratcher, Nikki Howl, Ryan Berger, Shawn Garriott and wife Shelly, Shannon Villegas, Tonya Bratcher and partner Mike Galindo, James Bratcher and wife Amanda, Andrea Foster, Jarrod Foster and wife Allie have all had the joy of growing up with their Granny in their lives. The memories they share of their Granny will live on through generations.

Virginia was blessed with a large family. She was able to love and enjoy her 5 children and their spouses, 13 grandchildren and their spouses, 33 great grandchildren and their spouses, 9 great great grandchildren

One of Virginia’s favorite past times was dancing. She love to dance to country music and she loved line dancing. Some of her best friends were her line dancing ladies. She also shared a special bond with her friend and next door neighbor Marge. They shared a great love for animals and helped each other out when they needed too. Virginia also loved camping and fishing with her family. These were some memorable times and have made for some great stories.

Virginia is dancing in heaven with her Daddy, Momma, and sister now and all of the pain of cancer has been washed away by the blood of Jesus. While we miss her with every breath we take, we are grateful for that.

We would like to give special thanks to the hospice nurses and aides from TLC Home Healthcare that helped take care of Virginia in her last days, as well as her middle child Sherrie that lived with her and helped take care of her daily throughout her battle with cancer.