Virginia Wright

Virginia Garrison Wright, 95, went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2013 at her home in Charlotte, NC, where she resided with her beloved daughter Anne Bass Kinlaw and her husband, Richard Keith Kinlaw, who were devoted caregivers in recent years.

She was born Virginia Anne Ankers on September 9, 1918 in the small village of Vale, Va, the third child of Jonathan Porter Ankers , Sr. and Olive Frances Ankers. Five more siblings joined the family who lived a frugal life in a small home without electricity, water, heat or telephone. Virginia described her parents as two of the most God-loving, caring, and generous people she ever knew; ones she would emulate throughout her own life.

In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Virginia, is survived by her cherished grandsons Brian Samuel Bass, his wife Elizabeth and son Mason of Troy, VA and Stephen Paul Bass and his wife Megan of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by a loving sister, Inez Peebles of Leesburg, VA and a dear brother, Edward James Ankers and his wife Margaret, of Ruckersville, VA, along with many nieces and nephews who added joy to her life. A dear niece and her husband, Beverly and John Cormier, and their four children of Falmouth, VA were particularly close to Virginia, living nearby and assisting her often. Virginia, known as Ginnie, is also survived by stepchildren: Rudy Wright (Mary) of CA, Denyce Dugan (Douglas) of Hartwood, VA, Dale (Geri) Wright of Haymarket, VA and Beverley Wright of King George, VA along with their children. Also surviving her are step grandchildren: Christina, Kathryn, and Timothy Kinlaw of Charlotte and Heather Carr and her husband Sean of Four Oaks, NC. In addition to her parents, Virginia was predeceased by her beloved husband of 47 years, Smith Garrison, and her loving husband Rudy Wright, as well as her son-in-law, Timothy Brian Bass, whom she loved as her own son. Siblings Jonathan Porter Ankers, Jr., William Andrew Ankers, Olive Irene Ankers Thompson, George Robert Ankers and James Edward Ankers also predeceased Virginia.

After attending Mary Washington College for a year, Virginia obtained her first jobs while living in Washington, DC. She married Smith Garrison and accompanied her husband to Dallas,TX, where he was stationed at Love Field as a U.S. Airman, enroute to six months each in Ghana, Africa, and Karachi, India during World War II. After Smitty’s discharge, they settled in Silver Spring, Maryland and later became devoted active members of the 16th and Decatur Church of Christ in DC. Smitty became an elder and Ginnie served as newsletter editor, Bible-school teacher, and nursery attendant for eleven years. Her newsletters were distinguished by many of her heartfelt poems. The Garrison home was always open to those in need, frequently to families with loved ones at Walter Reed Hospital.

In 1945, Virginia was hired as a typist and in a few months promoted to an editor in the U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Ordinance. She retired in May 1968 as Publications Control Officer and Chief of the Publications Control Branch due to a back injury on the job, holding a grade 12.

Virginia and Smitty moved to Spotsylvania in 1985 to be near their daughter. They built their dream home, but sadly Smitty died of cancer Christmas Day in 1987. Ginnie retained ownership of that home throughout her life, frequently returning to visit with her devoted friend Arden Kendall. Her second husband, Rudy, died suddenly after four short years of marriage. She moved to Salisbury, MD ten years ago to be with her daughter and her family before moving to Charlotte. Ginnie was a former member of the Fredericksburg and Salisbury Churches of Christ, and recently the Gold Hill Church of Christ in Fort Mill, SC. Always interested in current events, she was a member of the Spotsylvania Republican Club.

During her life Ginnie met so many people in need and spent untold amounts of money for family, friends, and strangers. She never once had any regrets; saying she was happier for having spent money, time, and energy on others rather than becoming rich in finances and poor in good deeds. Virginia will be remembered by all for her devotion to saving souls, her great sense of humor, intelligence, sweet disposition, beautiful blue eyes, and her love for everyone.

During her final months, she was blessed by a competent, caring friend, Babby Barner, CNA, and a team of professionals with Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte. Their loving support for Ginnie and her family gave her the opportunity to remain home with them, and her pet dachshund, Snickers, until the time she was called home to the Lord.

A visitation will be at 9 am, with a celebration of Virginia’s remarkable life at 10 am on Friday, November 22nd at the Fredericksburg Church of Christ, 336 Riverside Drive, Fredericksburg, VA. Burial alongside her husband Smith Garrison will follow at 1:30 pm at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, VA.

If anyone desires to honor Virginia with a gift, her family would suggest donations to one of two charity efforts she supported for many years: the Missions fund for Phillips Hospital, a charity hospital run by Dr. P.J. Alexander of India, Fredericksburg Church of Christ, 336 Riverside Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or Take Heart Association Project, run by Peter Mbogo Kamau, an effort to provide lifesaving heart surgery to children, P.O. Box 38960 – 00623, Nairobi, Kenya. The website is: www.thapkenya.org.