The Virginia Whedbee House, Hertford County, NC
Photo taken January, 2025 from the road.
Virginia Moorman Bridger Whedbee
Born October 9, 1915 – Died April 5, 1990 (age 74).
Virginia was the mother of two children: Maria W. Orta (June 16, 1947 – September 18, 2016) and Rosbon “Ros” D. B. Whedbee (April 23, 1940 – September 28, 2012). I do also know that she was married to a Glenn Whedbee (April 9, 1908-June 25, 1975) who was also affectionately known as “Bunny” to many people in the area. She was predeceased by her husband Glenn Basnight Whedbee (1908-1975).
The Cadillac Limousine
One of the most unforgettable memories of Virginia centers around her Cadillac limousine—an unlikely farm vehicle that became something of a local legend.
Michael Carter recalled, “My recollection from someone who knew Mrs. Whedbee well is that she ordered a Cadillac limousine from Charles H. Jenkins in Ahoskie so that she could haul fertilizer.”
Mary Jo Ellis remembered her driving “that limo full of hay, windows down, cigarette ashes flying.”
Susan Deanise added that Virginia “always drove a Cadillac with the back seats removed to haul her grain, seeds, and hay.”
Deanna Whitley Bissett wrote, “The long black limo with the windows down, used as a truck to haul bags of fertilizer, shovels, and hay. I think I was impressed by Ms. Virginia’s grit and boldness.”
This unusual story was later confirmed by her granddaughter, Danielle Whedbee, who verified that the limousine was indeed used for such a purpose.
Other Memories
Simuel Hodges shared, “This was Virginia Whedbee’s home place! I waited on her when I worked at Belk Tyler in Murfreesboro. When she died, I believe it was her daughter who fixed it up and painted it—it looked very nice. Then it sat dormant for about 35 years, and now it’s in this condition.”
Jimmy Pierce remembered, “I recall her from years ago when I was a Deputy Sheriff in Hertford County. I used to stop by and check on her occasionally. I always thought her name was spelled Whidbee. I thought she had a son who was an attorney there. She was a hoot.”
Susan Deanise also recalled her shopping habits, “She would bring about 20 items to the dressing room and then leave them all there to be picked up and rehung on the racks to put back out on display. She carried a large business-type ledger checkbook, about 11x16, rather than a pocket checkbook. I believe she remarried a doctor from Raleigh?”
Deanna Whitley Bissett remembered seeing her at Hardee’s, “I cashiered there and recall her orders of a senior citizen coffee, sometimes with a small fry, in the late afternoon. I always wondered if that was her dinner. I think I was impressed by Ms. Virginia’s grit and boldness. I didn’t know her son until years later when I worked at the bank. He too, I remember as a unique person and very intelligent.”
Photo taken January, 2025.
Reflections from Her Family
Her granddaughter Danielle Whedbee shared more about Virginia’s life and family:
“From what I can remember Dad telling me, Grandaddy Whedbee, Glen, had a few farms before they got married, and once they got married she acquired a lot more farms for the family. She graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh and had Dad go to Northwood Prep School in Lake Placid, NY. Then he went to Dartmouth before going into the military. Dad was a Green Beret who served three tours in Vietnam and met my Mom in Germany.”
Danielle also reflected on her personal memories: “I was 11 when she passed, but she was a remarkable woman and business person! There was no AC in that house, and when I came to visit in the summertime I couldn’t handle it. She’d tell my Daddy to move me to Murfreesboro and make me a country girl!”
These recollections show Virginia not only as a mother and businesswoman, but also as a colorful, eccentric, and unforgettable character remembered with warmth and admiration.
I hope to uncover more about her and the history of her home. I have contacted the local historical society and am still searching for additional photographs. Though I sent a letter to the property owners in hopes of learning more about Miss Virginia herself, I have not yet received a response.
