Virginia Alice Clarkson

Virginia “Ginger” Alice Clarkson passed away at home on October 20, 2021 at the age of 85. Born to parents Carl and Alice Johnson in Denver, Colorado, the family later moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Ginger attended Phoenix Union High School and was an accomplished student, skilled pianist, and served as President of the Girls’ State Convention her senior year.

Ginger was a graduate of the University of Arizona, where she was actively involved as a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, the Associated Women Students, and the Student Union Activities Board. She was selected as Desert Queen as a sophomore, served as President of the Mortar Board honor society as a senior, and won the Merrill Freeman Medal presented annually to the outstanding senior woman graduate.

After a brief career as an elementary teacher, Ginger retired to care for her growing family. She rejoined the workforce in the early 1970s, becoming one of the first female management trainees at United California Bank (subsequently merging with First Interstate Bank and then Wells Fargo Bank). Known for her exceptional customer service, she proudly served as a personal banker for several members of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ginger had a successful career as a banker in the Glendale and San Fernando Valley areas of Los Angeles, ultimately retiring as a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer.

Following her retirement, Ginger returned to Arizona in 2001. She thoroughly enjoyed her golden years, spending time with her extended family and many new friends, including her neighborhood coffee and bunco groups and her morning swimming group (affectionately known as the AquaNuts). Ginger loved attending her Kappa reunions and alumni events. Ginger was a kind, compassionate, loving and spiritual person, volunteering as a regular home helper for an MS patient, and serving as a bible study group leader and weekly usher at the Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church.

Ginger is survived by her three sons, Tom of Vienna, VA, Barry (Debra) of San Diego, CA, and Chris (Christie) of La Canada, CA, her seven grandchildren, Danee Williams (Aaron), Katie, Will (Vanessa), Kendall, Emily, Lilly and Sophie Clarkson, her two great grandchildren, Asher and Jett Williams, her brother and sister-in law, Bob and Jayne Johnson, and her many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Her loving family and close friends will greatly miss Ginger. A Celebration of Life will be held at Surprise Funeral Care on Saturday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Lung Association in her honor.

To sign the guestbook online, and share memories and send condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.