Virginia May Brigham

Virginia Trenfield Brigham, 96, passed away in Lubbock, Texas Tuesday, June 17th, 2025. Born on May 29, 1929 on the Trenfield Ranch in Lipscomb County, Texas to Charles and Mabel Trenfield, early pioneers in the Polled Hereford industry. She was the youngest of six children. Virginia married Raymond Dale Brigham, whom she met in botany class at Tech, on December 26, 1949 after graduating from Texas Tech with a BBA in Business Management. Raymond received a BS in Agriculture from Texas Tech and a PhD in Crop Breeding and Genetics at Iowa State in 1957 which led to careers in research at the USDA, Texas A&M and consulting. Virginia traveled the world with Raymond to many scientific meetings both domestic and international. Travels included Europe, the Soviet Union, Korea and Africa. After many years as a homemaker, she worked for 10 years at the Placement Service at Texas Tech.

Virginia, besides being a mother of four, enjoyed bridge and was a member of two bridge clubs. She loved Tech basketball both men’s and women’s and was usually quite vocal with her coaching during the games. Virginia was very active in Methodist Church activities, organizations and volunteering in many mission projects and as conference representative. As a mom, she found time to be both a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She was a member of the Twentieth Century Club for several decades. Her cooking skills were legendary and she had an extensive library of recipes. Raymond always joked that he married her for her chocolate chip cookies. Virginia also was an avid reader and excelled in crossword puzzles. Later in life she enjoyed going on cruises with Raymond to many parts of the globe and traveling in their motorhome.

She was preceded in death by Raymond in 2020, after seventy years of marriage, and daughter Elaine. She is survived by children, Barbara Reed (Jay) of Kansas City, MO; Ray Brigham (Melinda) of Boerne, TX; Dale Brigham (Jo Turner) of Columbia, MO.

The family would like to express thanks to the loving care provided to Virginia by her caregivers at the Isle at Raider Ranch and Traditions Hospice.

A private family service will be held to celebrate Virginia’s life. Those who choose to may make donations to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch (calfarley.org) or to a charity of your choice.

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