Mary Agnes McCarthy Johnson

Mary Agnes “Ginger” McCarthy Johnson, 81, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away on September 15, 2026.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ginger later moved to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, with her loving parents, F. Raymond and Marie Lahey.

Among Ginger’s proudest moments was graduating from the University of Virginia, the culmination of extensive academic work in Religious Studies and Political Science. In her “Jeffersonian” way, she contributed to the Charlottesville community.

A woman of remarkable intellect, creativity, independence, and faith, she lived a life of enduring curiosity about people, ideas, and the world around her.

Her professional and creative career included work as a DJ with WTJU, a performer with Four County Players and Live Arts, and a counselor at Region Ten. She also wrote children’s stories, stage plays, and other works.

Ginger was devoted to her Catholic faith and proud of her Irish heritage. Her faith remained a source of strength. She chose Saint George Catholic Church as her final resting place.

Ginger was preceded in death by her beloved husband, W. Van Meter Johnson. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth “Biz” Wright, Susan Wright, George “Josh” Wright, and Sean Wenz, and her beloved grandson, Trey J. Wright, to whom she was known as “Grammy.”

The family is so grateful to Ginger’s many dear friends, caregivers, nurses, physicians, advocates, and others who provided friendship, compassion, prayer, and support throughout her final journey.

Ginger measured life not simply by its length, but by how it was lived, why it was lived, and the manner in which it was lived. She leaves a legacy far greater than any illness.

Perhaps Ginger expressed that philosophy best herself with words she treasured:

“Those who always do their best, may very safely leave the rest.”

Ginger always gave life her best. And now, after 81 years of living with faith, independence, purpose, and love, she may very safely leave the rest.

Humbly and respectfully, the family welcomes friends to a visitation on Friday, October 16th between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Teague Funeral Home, 2260 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Family and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint George Catholic Church, 7240 Scottsville Road, Scottsville, Virginia 24590.