Jenny Bake

Mrs. Virginia "Jenny" Ruth Sampson Bake, 97, of Lilliy Way, Lincolnton entered into rest Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Cooper House.

She was born on March 10, 1929, in Jonesville, Virginia, to the late Lorenza and Hazel Ward Sampson. She was the third of thirteen children and the first girl in the family. She grew up on a farm where hard work was a way of life, and where her family grew nearly everything they ate and also raised tobacco to sell. Those early years helped shape the strong, capable, and dependable woman she would become. From an early age, she learned the value of perseverance, responsibility, and making the most of what life provided.

At the age of 19, Jenny left the farm and moved to Dayton, Ohio, in 1949 in search of new opportunities. She began her working life with a variety of jobs, including waitressing, working in a drug store, and serving in an ice cream parlor. In 1950, she began what would become a long and meaningful career with General Motors in their engine bearing factory. After 30 years of faithful service to the company, she retired. In 1989, she moved to Lincolnton.

Life was not always easy for Mrs. Jenny faced many seasons of loneliness and heartache. Yet even in those difficult times, she remained strong in spirit and anchored in her faith. Although she was alone much of her life, she had a faithful friend in Jesus, and she trusted that He was with her every step of the way. Jenny was content in her relationship with the Lord and deeply loved her church family, First Assembly of God, Lincolnton where she was the oldest member. She was known for praising the Lord and living in a way that reflected her faith, hope, and trust in God.

Jenny was a friendly woman whose warm spirit touched those around her. She was faith-filled, kind, and gracious, and she carried herself with a quiet strength that inspired others. She found joy in the simple blessings of life and had a special love for pets and the outdoors, tending her flowers, caring for her yard and taking pride in keeping it beautiful. Even in her later years, she remained determined and independent. It wasn’t uncommon to see her outside with her walker tending to her yard.

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, humility, and devotion to God. Jenny’s journey from a farm in Virginia to a long career in Ohio, and eventually to her home in Georgia, reflects a life marked by courage and grace.

She was preceded in death by seven brothers and four sisters and is survived by a sister Judy Johnson and many nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at First Assembly of God, Lincolnton with funeral services beginning at 3 p.m. Interment will follow in the Lincolnton City Cemetery.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to First Assembly of God, Lincolnton.

Special thanks to the Cooper House for their exceptional care.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Virginia Ruth "Jenny" Sampson Bake.