Virginia “Ginger” Martin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and community volunteer, was born on August 12, 1945, and passed away on July 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. Ginger will be remembered for her warmth, energy, and generous spirit.
The daughter of a career Air Force officer, Ginger grew up in a military family and lived and studied in many places around the world. Her father’s service took the family to Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, where she attended Maxwell Elementary School; to London, where she attended British schools and briefly acquired a charming British accent; and to France, where she attended American schools. These experiences gave Ginger a broad view of the world and a lifelong ease in meeting new people.
After graduating from high school in San Antonio, Texas, Ginger began her nursing education at the Methodist School of Nursing in Dallas. Her life took a joyful turn when she met then-Second Lieutenant Cecil E. Martin at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas—a meeting she loved to describe as the result of a friendly bet over whether she was still in high school or already in college. After a year of commuting between Dallas and Wichita Falls, they married, and Ginger transferred to the Wichita Falls Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her R.N. She went on to build a long and successful nursing career, from medical-surgical nursing to running large, assisted living facilities and managing nursing teams at major hospitals. She was among the first nurses in the country to help implement digital medical records in hospitals, later consulting with Austin-area hospitals on the transition before retiring.
One of Ginger’s greatest accomplishments was raising her three children. Her love ran deep, and she never missed an event or let her children back down from a difficult task. She taught her daughters independence and her son compassion, always putting family first. Her children always knew she was there for them, even as adults.
Though her days were full as a mother of three, Ginger always made time for the people and causes she loved. She volunteered often and served her community through the Air Force Officers’ Wives Club, Junior Forum in San Antonio, and political campaigns from Georgia to Texas. Many may not know that she also served for a time as a Democratic Party delegate for Texas and worked on Governor Wallace’s campaign in Montgomery, Alabama. Those who knew her will remember her as gracious and kind—easy to work with, quick to smile, and always ready to lend a hand.
Ginger is survived by her devoted husband, Col. (Ret.) Cecil E. Martin; her children, Diane (Patrick) Martin, Lisa Cunningham, and Thomas “T.C.” Martin; her grandchildren, Stephen Martin, Chad Cunningham, Megan Mullins, Madison Emge, Averie Martin, Brylie Martin, Amanda Stuff, Hannah Kavner, Stacie Stephens, Johnny Hall, Tessa Braun and Daniel Trujillo-Martin; and her great-grandchildren, Thalon Cunningham, Ella Cunningham, Bowen Martin, Carys Martin, Adaline Mullins, Rocky Cunningham, Kevin Stuff, Lydia Stuff, August and Oliver Kavner. She is also survived by extended family and many dear friends whose lives were brightened by her presence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Rae Grabfelder; her grandson, Jason Cunningham; and her brother, Michael Grabfelder.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, located at 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232.
A Committal Service will take place on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - Shelter 3, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.
