09/10/2026
Today we celebrate the 99th birthday of the remarkable life of Mildred Virginia Sahmaunt-McGilbray (McGilbary), a Kiowa woman of strength, wife, mother of 2, grandmother of 6, 19 Great-grandchildren and 4 Great-Great grandchildren. As well as a woman of faith, and servant to people around the world! Her life story is one of perseverance, service, adventure, and an unwavering commitment to her people and to humanity.
Virginia was born on September 10, 1927, in her family home in the Lakeview Community near Meers, Oklahoma. She was born into a family with deep Kiowa roots. Her parents are Joel Sah-maunt and Carrie Quoe-tone, grandparents are Luther Sah-maunt and Virginia “Au-quo-yah” Stumblingbear, whose name she carries, and Jimmy Quoe-tone and Be-ko-be-ah. Through her family lineage, she is also a descendant of the distinguished Chief Stumblingbear. Growing up Virginia was always surrounded by family, culture, community, and the traditions that would remain an important part of her life.
Virginia attended Lakeview Elementary School before graduating from Elgin High School. She continued her education at Cameron University, and received her Master’s Degree in Education at the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. But Virginia's calling was already becoming clear because after just two years of college she returned home and began teaching at Lakeview Elementary School. That decision marked the beginning of what would become an extraordinary 30-year career in education. Virginia continued her career at Riverside Indian School in Anadarko. It was there that she met Jacob Ray McGilbray (McGilbary), who was serving as a football coach there. The two would become life partners, building a marriage and a life centered around education, family, faith, and service. She stood beside her husband throughout his professional journey as an Educator, Principal and a Superintendent, adapting to new communities while continuing her own work as an educator in Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico and various communities throughout Oklahoma. But after years of traveling and supporting Ray's career, Virginia knew it was time to return to the place that had always been home. So one day she told her husband "You made your circle in life, and now I want to make mine and go back home." And that is exactly what she did. Virginia and Ray returned to home, where they became lifelong members of the Mt. Scott Kiowa United Methodist Church.
However, returning home did not mean Virginia was ready to slow down. She simply found a new way to serve. Her deep Christian faith and passion for helping others led her to become an active member of the General Board of Global Ministries, the worldwide mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church. Her service eventually carried her far beyond Oklahoma and across international borders. Virginia participated in the historic World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women in Copenhagen, Denmark. The gathering brought together thousands of participants from around the world to address issues affecting women, families, communities, health, economic development, and human rights. And as a Methodist representative, Virginia participated in an international movement focused on improving the lives of women and communities throughout the world. Her service reflected the same spirit she had demonstrated throughout her teaching career: to learn, to serve, to encourage, and to make a difference. Virginia's commitment to missionary work meant that she traveled extensively. Her family sometimes worried about her traveling to different parts of the world, particularly during times when terrorist activities and international conflicts made travel dangerous. But Virginia had a faith that was stronger than fear. When her family expressed their concerns, she simply told them: "I'm in God's hands." Those words say so much about the woman she is. She understood that life could not be lived entirely in fear and believed that if God had given her an opportunity to serve, she should follow that calling. And so, she continued.
Throughout her 99 years, Virginia has touched countless lives. She touched the lives of children who sat in her classrooms. She supported her husband through decades of his educational career. She returned home to the Kiowa community actively participating at the KGC and Black Leggings ceremonials. She remained committed to her church. She served through the Methodist mission movement. And she carried her faith, her heritage, and her compassion far beyond Oklahoma. Her life demonstrates that service does not have an expiration date. Even after decades as an Educator, Virginia could not just simply sit still. There was always another person to encourage, another community to help, another opportunity to serve, and another journey to take.
Today, at 99 years young, Virginia represents a living connection between generations. She carries the stories of her parents and grandparents. She carries the legacy of her ancestors and her connection to Chief Stumblingbear. She carries memories of the Lakeview Community, of classrooms filled with students, of Riverside Indian School, of her life with Ray, of journeys across the United States and around the world, and of a lifetime grounded in faith. Her life story is a reminder to younger generations that education can open doors, service can change lives, faith can provide strength, and returning home can reconnect us with the people and places that shaped us.
Happy 99th Birthday to the oldest enrolled Kiowa! May this special birthday be filled with the love of family, the prayers of friends, the blessings of your church and community, and the gratitude of all those whose lives have been touched by your remarkable journey.
