Virginia Greene (Jita) Lassiter died Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 at her home from cancer.

Virginia was born in Perry Fla., July 26, 1922 to Dr. and Mrs. R.J. Greene. She graduated from Florida State College for Women (now known as Florida State University), and then earned her master’s in Library Science from Univ. of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She moved to Lake Wales in 1946 as the High School librarian. Married to Robert E. Lassiter, Jr. in Dec. of 1952, Virginia was active in securing funds to build the Lake Wales Public Library. She was an original member of the Lake Wales Library Association Board, and served on the board for over 50 years. Tina Peak, the Public Librarian was quoted saying “For the past 30 years that I have been the Lake Wales Library Director, Jita Lassiter has been my mentor and professional colleague. I have been taught by the best and I am humbled that she considers me a colleague and friend. Jita’s guidance and opinions have helped make the Lake Wales Public Library what it is today.” She was also active in the Lake Wales Care Center as a volunteer for many years and a past board member. Virginia served on the Lake Wales YMCA board, past President of the Lake Wales Woman’s Club, served as the membership chairperson of AAUW, and was a member of P.E.O. A member of the First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales for over 50 years, Virginia was a youth Sunday school teacher, past president of the Altar Guild, Worship Chairman, Chairman of Council on Ministries, Board of Trustees, Stephen Minister, and president of her Sunday school class for over 27 years.

She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce in 2008.

Virginia is survived by her son Ed Lassiter, his wife Renee, and their children Ryan and Dana, and her daughter Sallie Lassiter Schroeder and her children Heather and Bryan.

A memorial celebration of Virginia’s life will be held Sunday, December 30th at 3:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Lake Wales. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall for friends to gather.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lake Wales Care Center, 140 E. Park Ave., Lake Wales, Fla. 33853, or Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales, Fla. 33853.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.