Virginia Lee Cardin, age 91 of the Harp Community, died Friday, September 4, 2026, at her home. She was born in Camden, Arkansas, on March 13, 1935 to the late Harry H. Merritt and Olive Coston Merritt. Reared and receiving her early education in Camden, she moved to Malvern with her family as a teen, and graduated from Malvern High School with the class of 1952. As a member of First Assembly of God Church, she joined the popular gospel singing group, “The Gospelettes”, and performed in churches and at gospel concerts throughout the South. They were regular performers on our local radio station, KBOK. Virginia worked at First Federal Savings and Loan for 8 years prior to becoming a housewife and mother. She was the widow of the late Boyd Cardin, to whom she was married on September 1, 1961. He preceded her in death in 1999. After their marriage, she joined Second Baptist Church, was a member and assistant director of the choir, and taught Sunday School for many years. In 1979 she helped establish the Hot Spring County Museum with Janis West. She was a full time director of the museum for 45 years and retired at 91.

Virginia was also preceded in death by her siblings, J. W. Merritt, Margaret Snedden Critz, Barbara Merritt, Charles Merritt, Robert Merritt, Carl Merritt, and Harry Merritt; and a granddaughter, Cara Lynn Cardin.

She is survived by her children, Rosemarie Cardin (David Allen) of Hot Springs, and Daniel Cardin (Stacey) of Scott, Arkansas; step-son, Paul Cardin (Theda) of Malvern; grandchildren, Zachary Cardin, Michael Cardin, Alyssa Cardin, and Ben Cardin (Nina); four great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Kay Ault of Magnolia, Texas; a sister-in-law, Barbara Merritt of Dallas, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Friday morning, September 11, 2026, at 10:00, in the Harp Cemetery, officiated by Brother Terry Whitley and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Memorials are requested to the Hot Spring County Museum.

Online condolences may be directed to jafunkfuneralhome.com.