Gloria "Ginger" Williams

Gloria Virginia (Roppolo) Williams of Tallahassee FL, known as Ginger to most, and “Big Red” to many, was called to heaven on Sunday, November 3rd surrounded by her children. Born April 16, 1933, she lived a long and beautiful life. She is survived by her 3 children, Christy Murphy (Tom), Jamie Wright (Bruce) Barry, 3 granddaughters, Virginia, Danielle and Katie and 2 great granddaughters Patterson and Goldie, brother-in-law Ronnie Williams (Debi), her Cousin Angie Comstock, sister-in-law Sandra O’Neal and all her nieces and nephews. She was welcomed into heaven by so many, but we know that her husband Emory and son Chip, were there to meet her with open arms and so much joy. She is also preceded in death by her parents, (Ethel and Charles Roppolo), Brothers Stephen, Charles (Jimmy),Webb, nephew Raymond Roppolo and sadly so many dear friends and family.

She was born in Gadsden Alabama and mostly raised in New Orleans and Pensacola with her parents, 3 brothers and lots of family. Living in Pensacola on Cross Street she met the love of her life, Emory Williams. They were in middle school when they met, fell in love and were married 66 years before Em's passing in 2021. She lost most of her heart that day. They created a beautiful life together filled with spending time with family, their friends, FSU football, endless laughter and music. Friday nights were sacred and always included Em's now famous boiled shrimp and few cocktails and more music. If you ever had the pleasure of being hosted by Ginger and Em, you left feeling loved and full of unforgettable memories. Everyone felt welcomed in their home.

Ginger was known as the "energizer bunny" and could out energy just about anyone. Mother of 4, always chairperson for an event or committee at her church, kids school or scouts. She has lots of accomplishments but she was always proud of her work with being one of the persons that helped chair the first, all women's bank in Pensacola, and being on the committee that developed the fundraising event for March of Dimes - the Walkathon. She was also one of the first females to sit on the FSU Boosters board. Go Ginger!

Ginger was one-of-kind, and although life won’t be the same without her, we are comforted knowing that she was dearly loved by so many. As her children, it has been a joy sharing her with her many friends and community. Everyone loved their long “Ginger” talks with her never-ending listening ear, her kindness, generosity, laughter, and mostly her hugs. They were always from the heart, and just a little tighter and a little longer...you always knew you were being hugged with love.

Services for Ginger will be at Good Shepherd Church in Tallahassee on Friday, November 8th at 2pm with a reception following. She will be buried alongside Emory on Saturday, November 9th at 2pm. Burial will be in Pensacola at Bayview Memorial Park. There will be no service at Bayview, only a gathering at the burial site.

You are welcome to send flowers, but we ask you to be “Ginger” for the day. Call a friend to say hello and check-in, say a prayer for someone who needs it, say hello and smile to a stranger, hold your loved one’s hand, and tell them you love them. Avoid negativity, turn up your music, and cook something delicious. That's how Ginger did it.

If a donation is important to you, we would appreciate donations to Good Shepherd Church (Bereavement Committee or WINGS). On behalf of her children, thank you for all the love, texts, and messages; and for always loving our mom!