Virginia Lee Horton Taylor

Ginger will be lovingly missed by her surviving family, to include her children, Debra Taylor, Kimberly Doolittle (Thomas), and Katherine Quayle (Kevin); her grandchildren, Danielle Ryan (Christopher), Thomas Doolittle (Sana), Robert Doolittle, Cassidy Sinclair, Kenneth Quayle, and Kolby Quayle; her great-grandchildren, Jackson Ryan, Adelaide Ryan, Evelyn Ryan, Dean Doolittle, and Lorelai Sinclair; her sister Jacqueline Gaskins (William), and brother Danny Horton (Sharon); as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Ginger was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years, Deane Taylor; her grandson, Joseph Doolittle; her sister, Patricia Lufriu (Robert); her brother, Timothy Horton (Diane); and her parents, Jack & Lorraine Horton.

Ginger was born in 1942 in Davenport, Iowa. She was the second oldest of five siblings. Soon after her birth, Ginger’s family moved to Michigan where her father had work. Later, around age 10, Ginger and her family found their way to Tampa Florida. She attended a newly established Chamberlain High School in north Tampa, where she graduated in 1960. During Ginger’s junior year of high school, she met a young man named Deane Taylor. The two became fast friends, eventually sparking a lifelong relationship of love. Deane and Ginger married in September 1960. The honeymoon was expedited though, as Deane received orders from the Navy to ship out. Those early days of the young marriage were trying due to Deane’s military responsibilities; however, they were so treasured by both. Shortly before leaving their US Navy family, the young couple began creating their own family dreams. Debra first, then Kimberly, and finally Katherine would secure and complete their ultimate love for one another. Throughout the years Ginger’s family would grow even more with grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren. As a devoted wife and mother, Ginger always had a deep love for her family and was evident by her humble and loving attentiveness to them. Growing up, her girls had perhaps the best example of what a true lady was like. Ginger’s passion for truth, honesty, and family love shone through everyday as the kids grew up. Today, Ginger’s children and grandchildren continue to demonstrate the valuable lessons she taught, and carry on her sweet, compassionate legacy.

Ginger had a passion for doing things herself, instead of relying on certain modern conveniences. For instance, she loved cooking from scratch, sewing clothes for her family, writing her own short stories and poetry, and meticulously managing a busy household. She was also an expert time manager and scheduler, as she would constantly balance all the activities that came along with taking care of a husband and raising three busy daughters. All the while, she was also able to find time to exercise, which she did through walking. Everyday, Ginger would walk around Pine Lake, stopping to say hello to neighbors and friends along the way. She became a daily reminder to the neighborhood of what consistency and trusted stability meant. Through her daily walking routines, she also encouraged others to do the same, once again providing for a humbling example of how to live.

Professionally, Ginger entered the real estate business in the mid 1970’s and practiced for several years. Her primary attribute as a sales professional was simply her sincere personality and her deep-rooted convictions for truth and honesty. Years later Ginger and Deane would find themselves operating their own appraisal business. They did this for several years before finally retiring for good. Ginger often said throughout the years that she would have loved to have been a teacher. Ultimately, she was a teacher, a life-long teacher that influenced her children, extended family, friends, and even acquaintances by her ever-present personal integrity. She will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

A visitation for Virginia will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E LAKE AVE, TAMPA, FL 33610. A prayer service will occur Friday, September 12, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4207 E LAKE AVE, TAMPA, FL 33610. A graveside service will occur Friday, September 12, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Garden of Memories Cemetery, E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.