Virginia Marion Perrenod, PhD, 85, former long-time Tryon resident, passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 in the Hospice Home of Fayetteville, Ark.

She was born Oct. 6, 1928 in Lynchburg, Va. to Charles and Marion Perrenod. She was a professor of political science for more than 20 years at the University of Houston and North Harris College.

Virginia was an active volunteer while in Tryon. She served as secretary of the Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee and was president of Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity.

She was active in the Thermal Belt Friendship Council, where she served as treasure for a number of years. She also served with Steps to HOPE and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. She was a recipient of the Governors Volunteer Service Award of North Carolina and a member of the Second Wind Hall of Fame.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved partner, Ken Thompson. Survivors include two daughters, Tracy Oates of Fayetteville, Ark. and Vivien Tucker of Evansville, Ind.; and son, Jim Oates of La Jolla, Calif. Her brother, Charles Perrenod, now of Houston, Texas was also a former Tryon resident.

Other survivors are four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; two nephews; three nieces and several other family members and friends.

Cremation was directed by Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be made to Washington Regional Friends of Hospice, c/o Washington Regional Foundation, P. O. Box 356, Fayetteville, AR 72702.