Virginia Johnson Clow

Virginia Johnson Clow, of Keller, Texas, passed away on Thursday, February 12. She was born on November, 28, 1920 in Prescott, AZ. Virginia spent her early years in Prescott and Phoenix, where she attended Phoenix Union High School. An avid tennis player, she was named Best All Around Girl Athlete at the school in 1939. She earned her pilot’s license at the age of 15 and, although a heart murmur kept her from ferrying planes during WWII, she did serve with the Civil Air Patrol back home. Virginia met her husband of 69 years, Les, when she was a stewardess for American Airlines and Les was a co-pilot. After her daughters were born, she devoted herself to raising them and supporting their many activities. Many miles were driven to piano and art lessons, sports activities, and school functions. When the family moved to Southlake in 1958, she became increasingly involved in leadership roles at her church and in the community. As the girls grew up, she went back to college to earn a degree in elementary education, and then went to work part-time. She served a year as postmistress for the fledgling Southlake Post Office, and then shifted her focus to real estate. She was a broker and partner with Southlake Realty, founded in 1972 with her husband and another partner, Mike O’Brien, and later Harold Knight. She was active in Sister Cities (traveling to Japan as part of that program) and the Women’s Division of the Southlake Chamber of Commerce. In 1985 she was honored by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year, and served as director of the Northeast Tarrant County Board of Realtors. Virginia had a heart for hospitality. She was devoted to her family and cherished her many friendships. Whether selling a house to a newcomer to Southlake, or greeting a visitor as a deacon at Trinity Presbyterian church, everyone felt the genuine warmth of her welcome. She never met a stranger. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Edna Griffith Johnson; brothers Arnold Johnson and Charles Johnson; sisters Hazel Budd, Mildred Rapson, and Marian Johnson. She is survived by husband Les Clow of Keller; sister Evelyn Westling of Fresno, CA; daughter Ann Swirczynski (Virgil) of Aubrey, TX; daughter Carol Pye (Charles) of Louisville, KY; grandson Michael Swirczynski (Mandy) of Flower Mound, TX; granddaughter Leah Pye of Louisville; granddaughters Allison & Madeline Swirczynski; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, and many dear friends who have traveled this journey with her. Service provided by Lucas Funeral Home, Keller 817-753-6800 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Virginia Johnson Clow please visit our Sympathy Store.