Virginia “Ginna” was born in Mayfield, Kentucky then relocated to Charlotte, Iowa where she lived the first 6 years of her life before moving to Branchville. She graduated from Newton High School then attended Brown University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish in 1944. Ginna studied for her master’s degree in education at Montclair State University and left the program just shy of completing her degree.
A chance need for a substitute teacher led to a 30-year teaching career. Ginna began teaching 1st through 8th grade at the Wykertown School in the late 1940’s before teaching 7th and 8th grade at the Branchville School. When her daughter entered 7th grade, she went to the Wantage School and began teaching 4th grade where she remained until her retirement in 1983.
Ginna was a member of the Branchville School Board and the Branchville Cemetery Board for many years and was elected as the first female council member of the Branchville Town Council where she served for many years. She enjoyed skiing as a member of the Newton Ski Club in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Always an avid animal lover she kept dogs, cats and horses.
Ginna loved swimming, ice skating and snowmobiling. She played Bridge with the same group of friends for more than 50 years and played Gin Rummy until she could no longer see the cards in her hand. In keeping her mind sharp, Ginna loved reading, jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, she would complete the New York Times crossword puzzle every afternoon. As a talented seamstress, she sewed most her daughter’s clothing. Ginna loved traveling, visiting 49 of the 50 States in addition to international travel and cross-country RV trips with her late husband.
Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Robert “Red” Risdon after 66 years of marriage; her parents, George F. Johnson, Sr. M.D. and Frances (Wilson) Johnson; and her brothers, Joseph E. Johnson and George F. Johnson, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Risdon Turner, her step-grandchildren, Luke Turner (Erin), Curt Turner (Michelle) and Sara Loy (Andrew); 8 great-grandchildren; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and their children.
Memorial visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main St, Branchville, NJ. Graveside services will take place at 11 am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Branchville Cemetery, Pine St, Branchville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Virginia’s memory to the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, PO Box 232, Branchville, NJ 07826 or Branchville Historical Society, 34 Wantage Ave, Branchville, NJ 07826. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.net.
