Virginia Hunter Marshall Simpson

SIMPSON, Virginia (Gina) Hunter Marshall, 80, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2017. Born in Lynchburg, Va. on November 10, 1936, she was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Hunter (with whom she shared a birthday) and William Pugh Marshall. She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, John Noel Simpson; her sons, John Noel, Jr. “Jack” (Marilyn) of Lubbock, Texas and Marshall (Ann Macon) of Richmond, Va.; five grandchildren, John Noel III, Benjamin Alexander Marshall, Madeline Hunter, William Marshall Jr. (Liam) and Hayden Mercer. Gina graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1955, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1959 from Duke University and a Masters in Social Work from VCU in 1980. She was a member of the national academic honor society, Phi Kappa Phi. While living in San Antonio, Texas, Gina took a position with the Family and Children’s Association as a social worker, and fell in love with the opportunity and the work. She never met a stranger and accepted people without bias. In 1962, Gina and John moved to Newport News where their two sons were born. Gina volunteered with church, school and community organizations. In 1970, the family moved to Richmond, and Gina became active with Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church teaching Sunday School and Bible School. With her MSW degree, Gina took a newly created faculty position within the Hospice Program of MCV. This position was entirely home care, home visit oriented, with additional introduction of the medical residents to the values of Hospice Home Care. As an advocate for the rights of nursing home patients, she served as one of the founders of The Friends and Relatives for Nursing Home Patients, as well as a Board Member on the National Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, based in Washington, D.C. Gina also served numerous years as a Board Member of the Monument Avenue Senior Center as well as a term as its President. She served three terms on the board of Senior Connections in various offices and committees. In recognition of her community service, the Junior League of Richmond awarded her with the Barbara Ransome Andrews Award for exceptional service and exemplary leadership. Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging also recognized her for her advocacy and community service with the Mary Ellen Cox Memorial Award. Gina held memberships in the Jamestowne Society, the Junior League of Richmond, the Tuckahoe Women’s Club and the River Road Presbyterian Church. There will be a Celebration of Life at River Road Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 18 at 2:30 pm. Reception to follow at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, 5008 Monument Avenue, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23230 or at www.bsmcon.edu.