Virginia C. Essman

Virginia C. Essman, 76, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at her home. She was born on November 29, 1932 in Fairfax, MO, the daughter of Clark T. and Hazel D. Wake Proud. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1950. She held many titles throughout her career, some of which include a broker at Kaw Valley Realtors before retiring in 2003 from the Community Blood Center. She was a member of Seaman Baptist Church. Virginia married Samuel R. Essman, Jr. on September 8, 1951 in Topeka. They were divorced. Survivors include four sons, Randy, Terry, Benny, Bryan Keith, one daughter, Diane DeHart, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one sister, Betty Smith and one brother, C.F. Proud. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Erma Mulligan. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave. Cremation will follow services. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. Virginia will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Virginia C. Essman Memorial Fund c/o Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608.