Virginia M. Brimer, born in Memphis on Jan. 29, 1937, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6 at the age of 88.
A 1956 graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School, Mrs. Brimer began nurses training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville with aspirations of becoming a nurse. Fate had other plans when she met her future husband, Gerald E. Brimer, who was a patient at the hospital. Their love story began there, and she left nursing behind to begin a new chapter as a devoted wife and mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Brimer shared 65 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2023—a loss she felt deeply every day. They also worked together with their sons to build the family business, Brimer Steel Erectors Inc.
Together, they raised four children: Teresa (Don) Gilmore, John Brimer (deceased), Mark (Robin) Brimer, and Karen (Daryl) Crabtree. Mrs. Brimer was a loving grandmother to Allison (Corey) Clark, Callie (Bryan) Badgett, Daniel (Brandi) Brimer, Catherine, Anna, and Avery Crabtree. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Chandler and John Clark, Carter Badgett, and baby Drake Brimer, expected in November.
She is also survived by her sister, Nancy (Bill) Fox and sister-in-law, Martha Warren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, George H. Muller Sr. and Thelma Cox Muller; brothers, George H. Muller Jr. and Milton E. Muller Sr.; a sister, Jayne Kubas; and a grandson, Johnathan Crabtree.
Mrs. Brimer will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her generous spirit, and the quiet strength that carried her through life’s joys and sorrows. Her love was a constant presence, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Brimer was held on Aug. 13 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa, with Father Joseph Austin serving as the celebrant. A burial service followed at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville.
Donations in Mrs. Brimer’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.