Virginia May Dongell

Virginia May Dongell passed peacefully on June 3, 2016, just shy of her 90th birthday (August 4th). She was the beloved wife of the deceased Reverend Dr. Herbert Dongell, retired professor and chair of the Department of Religion at Southern Wesleyan University.

She was the eldest daughter of deceased Reverend Dr. J. R. and Lois Swauger of Apollo, PA and Syracuse, NY. She is survived by her four children, Evangeline Ledbetter (Don) of Seneca, SC, Kathleen Benoit (Pierre) of Scottsdale, AZ, Reverend Dr. Joseph Dongell (Regina) of Wilmore, KY, and Reverend Dr. Peter Dongell (Elaine) of Cincinnati, OH. Surviving grandchildren are Kelleigh Ledbetter Thomas (Morgan), Kent Ledbetter, Bradley Carr, Jordan Dongell (Jenny), Janna Dongell, Josiah Dongell, and Evangelina Dongell.

Virginia attended Houghton College, Houghton, NY, and received her Masters of Education from Clemson University, Clemson, SC. She was a devoted teacher of Latin, English and Biology at Edwards Jr. High near Clemson. Her lifelong passion was expressing her faith by composing poetry and music, and by supporting Christian missions at home and abroad. Her greatest desires were that all who crossed her path would know her as a follower of Jesus, and would join her in knowing Him. Virginia truly loved the natural beauty of God's world that she and Herbert experienced especially through their travels to most of the US National Parks. Her last 5 years were spent at Wesley Village in Wilmore, KY, where she flourished in the fellowship and loving care of the staff and residents.

A memorial service will be held at Southern Wesleyan University's Nicholson-Mitchell Chapel on Saturday October 29th, 2016 at 2:00. Virginia would be honored by your donation in her memory to Southern Wesleyan University (SWU, 907 Wesleyan Drive / Central, SC 29630 / 877.644.5556 ), or to Wesleyan Missions (The Wesleyan Church / PO BOX 50434 /Indianapolis 46250). Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com

Funeral:
Southern Wesleyan University’s Nicholson-Mitchell Chapel on Saturday October 29th, 2016 at 2:00