Mary Virginia Lawrence

Mary Virginia “Ginny” Lawrence, age 101, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026. Born on September 24, 1924, Ginny lived a remarkable life filled with devotion to family, faith, service, and community.

Ginny was raised on a farm near Humboldt, Tennessee, and graduated from Humboldt High School. She married her first husband, James Simmons, in Humboldt, and together they shared 54 years of marriage and raised three children: Mike, Patricia, and Chris.

During World War II, Ginny proudly supported the war effort while her husband served in the Army. While stationed with him in California, she worked in military offices for a year. When Jim was deployed overseas to Guadalcanal, Ginny moved to Willow Run, Michigan, where she became an inspector on B-24 bombers. After the war, the family made their home in Jackson, Tennessee, where she spent most of her life.

A hardworking and civic-minded woman, Ginny managed two floor covering stores for more than 30 years. She developed a deep interest in local politics and became an Honorary Deputy Sheriff of Madison County, a title she continued to hold with pride. She was also instrumental in sponsoring “The Vote to Rid Jackson and Madison County of the Blue Law.”

Ginny had a vibrant personality and a love for dancing. She studied with the Arthur Murray School of Dancing, and the Jitterbug was always her favorite. Her energy and enthusiasm for life touched everyone around her.

For a period of six years, Ginny lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she was one of eight founding members who helped establish a Cumberland Presbyterian church in the Lake Hamilton area.

In 2001, Ginny married Wayne Lawrence, and together they shared many blessed years. Ginny often said that God had richly blessed their lives, and she remained thankful every day for her family and faith.

She is survived by her son, Mike Simmons; daughter, Patricia Ramage (Ken); grandchildren, Ginny Leverette (Chris), Kristin Hughes (Josh), Haley Baker, Destiny Davis, Ryan Simmons (Makala), and Tyler Simmons (Samantha); along with many beloved extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Simmons and Wayne Lawrence; and her son, Chris Simmons.

A small service to celebrate the life of Ginny Lawrence will be held Friday, May 29, 2026 at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. A private burial will be in Highland Memorial Gardens.

Ginny will be remembered for her strength, patriotism, determination, quick wit, love of dancing, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her century-long life was truly one well lived.