Mary Virginia Stacey's Obituary
Mary Virginia Stacey, affectionately known as “The Hornet,” “MV,” and “Virgie,” passed away at the age of 15 on January 27, 2026, at Arkansas Children's Hospital-Northwest, leaving behind a world that is now quieter and missing a very special spark.
Born on March 31, 2010, Mary Virginia lived her life with purpose, humor, and heart. At just seven years old, she survived a medical crisis that nearly took her life, and from that moment on, everyone knew her for what she truly was: a fighter with an overcoming spirit and an unshakable joy. She didn’t just survive—she thrived.
MV was fiercely proud to be a twin, a role she took seriously and lovingly. She “mothered” her twin brother, Whit, for as long as he would allow it (and sometimes a little longer). Their bond was one of her greatest joys, and being his twin was one of her favorite titles.
She never met a stranger. Friends and family were the most important thing in her world, and once you met her, you were firmly in her circle. She had a remarkable gift with children and animals, who were instantly drawn to her gentle confidence and genuine care. She dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher, hoping one day to follow in the footsteps of her beloved Ms. Mee–to love and guide children the way that came so natural to her. Tennis and golf were her favorite sports, and she was so proud of herself when she won the conference tennis singles title this past fall.
MV was able to live her dream of riding horses in Ireland with her sister, Annalise, when she was 12. Her love of horses started as early as she could speak. Mary Virginia was proud to receive the FIT Award (First Is Third) at Camp Ozark, an honor that perfectly reflected how she lived—putting God first, others second, and herself third. She always showed up with joy. Her confirmation saint was Saint Jude, the patron saint of impossible causes, a fitting choice for a girl who spent her life proving that impossible things can, and do, happen.
She will be joyfully welcomed into heaven by her beloved dog, Caymus, her “Uncle” Jeff Johnson, her Pepaw John, and her baby cousin, Finn—a reunion her family imagines with smiles through tears.
MV is deeply loved and will be forever missed by her parents, her twin brother Whit, her big sister/best friend, Annalise, her little brother, Jack, and her many friends, all of whom carry her laughter, her strength, and her light with them every day. Her parents, Drs. Heath and Adriana Stacey, will miss her every day of their lives. She is also survived by her Nana and Papa (Robin and Joe Stacey) of Harrison, her Lala and Grandaddy (Lark and Robert Tommey) of Fayetteville, her aunts and uncles (Monty and Connie Lester, Terri Stacey and Julie Grant, Kyle and Amy Stacey, Chris and Ashley Menendez, John and Kelly Unger, Craig and Carri Tommey, Mat and Rebekah Ankney, and Jennifer Zoellner) and her cousins (Ethan and Eleanor Stacey, Kate, Olivia and Christopher Menendez, Lena and Gwendolyn Unger, Madison and Archie Tommey, and Henry Zoellner), and her great-grandmother, Mary Stacey. Her best friends, Elsie Stigge and Maria Montiel, were her greatest supporters. She is survived by too many other friends and family members to mention–she showed her entire family what one spunky little girl could accomplish. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, John Unger, her baby cousin, Finnegan Andrew Stacey, her great-grandfathers, William Lines, Bobby Parker, and Vernon Stacey, and her great-grandmothers, Leta Lines and Virginia Parker.
In true MV fashion, she would want to be remembered not with silence, but with stories, laughter, and love. And probably a little mischief—just enough to remind everyone she’s still near.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at her home parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville, AR, at 11am on Saturday, January 31, 2026. A Rosary will be prayed before the Mass at 10:30am. There will be a reception to follow in the DeBriyn Center.
In her honor, the family invites you to share a funny MV story, wear orange in her honor, and spend some time caring for animals, children and each other–because that is exactly how Mary Virginia lived.
The family requests no flowers–in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Mary Virginia Stacey Memorial Fund at First State Bank via the drive-thru or mail to: First State Bank, 3654 N Investment Drive #110, Fayetteville, AR 72703 or contribute online at https://everloved.com/life-of/mary-virginia-stacey/ . Her parents and siblings will donate the funds to a number of charities that were important to Mary Virginia.
To sign the online guest book please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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