Virginia Lea Carrico Wernette Voiers completed her journey on her 91st birthday. A woman of irrepressible spirit and deep faith, she lived a life defined by vibrance and an exceptionally open heart.
Born in South Bend, Indiana, to Isadore Carrico and Jesse Bell Pitts, Virginia was raised in Austin, Texas. She attended Austin High School and San Marcos Academy, developing a spirited character that she carried with her throughout her life.
In 1954, she married Maurice Wernette, with whom she had two daughters. During their marriage she lived in Japan for two years while Maurice was stationed there with the Air Force: this time abroad left a lifelong impression on her and inspired a deep, enduring love for Asian art and fashion.
In 1984, Virginia married William D. Voiers. This union marked a profound and cherished chapter of her life: she and Bill shared a deep and enduring love and a vibrant partnership that spanned over three decades in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
A resident of Eureka Springs community since the 1980s, Virginia was a local icon known for her flamboyant style. She was a devout Christian whose walk of faith was characterized by a genuine, encompassing love for everyone she met, including her acceptance and love for the LGBT community.
Her lifelong gift for fashion and performance began with a brief modeling career in Austin and blossomed into a passion for acting and theater. Virginia supported the arts, schools, and library, just to name a few of her passions. Her flair for the dramatic often spilled into her real-life exploits, most notably when she made international headlines for “stealing” the Baby Jesus from Basin Park – an act of theatrical mischief that remains a legendary piece of local history.
Virginia was a woman of exceptional tastes and lived with a certain zest, she was known for her legendary sweet tooth and her signature request for a “filthy” dirty vodka martini.
She is survived by her daughters Renice Wernette, Chris Wernette and her granddaughter, Jolie Wernette-Horn.
The date for service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you wear your brightest, most colorful attire and your finest jewelry in her honor.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2026.