Our community and profession sustained a great loss with the passing of SMBA member and past president, Virginia Fry. Virginia died from cancer late Sunday night, November 18, 2018, in Springfield.
Virginia practiced law for 38 years. Her keen and efficient intellect coupled with the discipline and work ethic instilled by her upbringing on a dairy farm insured her quick rise to the top of the profession. At the time of her death, she was a partner at Husch Blackwell. Rob Palmer, who practiced with Virginia in the early years remarked: “She was a brilliant attorney and an absolutely wonderful trial lawyer. She was tough, smart and afraid of nothing.”
Virginia never sought recognition by her peers, but she won every award nonetheless. In September, she received the pinnacle “Legacy Award” in the annual SBJ Trusted Advisor honors. And just last week, she was named one of BIZ 417’s 100 Most Influential Business Leaders, making that list for three consecutive years.
Virginia was the first female president of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and the 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Attorney Award. Virginia was also the first, and so far the only, Springfield attorney to be named Woman of the Year by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. She was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a legal legend.
Family Court Commissioner Susan Jensen said: ” I first knew Virginia as my husband's boss and my boss's wife. She was, in all respects, a major role model for me. She managed to be an amazing, respected, successful attorney and businesswoman, while also being a wonderful wife and mother. I will forever be in awe of her.”
Virginia’s influence went far past the bar. She served countless civic and charitable organizations on boards and committees. SMBA Member and Missouri State University President Clif Smart had this to say: “Virginia was more than a good lawyer; she was a leader in the community, chairing many important groups and institutions. She had vision and a passion for Springfield and Missouri State University. She will be greatly missed.”
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 24, 1:30 p.m. at Kingsway United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, Missouri under the care of Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be available immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the following organizations, close to Virginia’s heart, for memorial tribute; Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO), 620 W. Republic Road, Springfield, Mo. 65807, Missouri State University Foundation, 901 S. National, Springfield, Mo 65897 and College of the Ozarks, 100 Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout, Missouri 65726.
Virginia is survived by her husband and SMBA President John Pratt, son Brennan Pratt and his fiancée Victoria Marszalik, daughter Jordan Pratt Goth and her husband Nolan, and stepdaughters Stephanie Pratt and Kristin Stiles. Our deepest condolences to the family and also to those who worked closely with her every day, the lawyers and staff at Virginia's firm, Husch Blackwell. We also extend our sympathy to the lawyers and staff at John’s firm, Pratt & Grisham, and the thousands of others in the legal and larger community who are deeply grieving this loss.
