Virginia "Ginger" Ann Morris

HENDERSON- Virginia “Ginger” Ann Morris, 87, died peacefully at the home of her friend, Margaret Butler, in Henderson on May 10, 2022. Ginger was born in Henderson in 1934 to Emmett C. Morris and Lillie Snead Kelley Morris. Each of her parents had been widowed, and each brought to their marriage three children. Ginger was graduated from Henderson High School in 1952. She then attended Meredith College, from which she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1956. She remained a faithful alumna of Meredith and attended reunions for many years. Ginger worked her entire 30-year career with the U.S. Social Security Administration. Starting as a Claims Representative, she progressed to Claims Supervisor, Assistant District Manager, Staff Officer, Policy Specialist, and Senior Planning Officer. At her retirement in 1986, she was the District Manager in Newport News, Va. Ginger lived and worked in a variety of places including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Charlottesville, New Bern, Logan, WVa, and Newport News. She maintained friendships from the various towns and enjoyed travels near and far with friends and family. Ginger retired to Florida, living both on the east and west coasts then landing in Palm Beach Gardens, FL at La Posada for the past 17 years. A talented pianist for many years, her hobbies included bridge, reading, opera, current events and travel. At La Posada, she was part of a book group, played 50/50 Bingo, and served on the Scholarship Committee which contributed to, selected and awarded a college scholarship to many of the staff there. Ginger was the 8th child in her family, the “baby sister,” and the last survivor of that generation. A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Henderson, on Monday May 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m by Rev. Amy S. Russell. Although Ginger did not have any children, she served as “the Cool Aunt” to many nieces and nephews. Frances“Skip” Morris Forrester, Pete Morris, Gail Morris Thorson, Gilbert Mustian, Linnea Mustian Westbrook, Linda Kelley Huff, Jean Kelley, Richard Kelley, Bettie Kelley Sousa, Mary Kelley and Ronald Morris survive her. Also surviving are 30 Great-nieces and nephews, 39 Great-Great nieces and nephews and 16 Great-Great-Great nieces and nephews. She attended graduations, weddings, family reunions, and other celebrations, and sent postcards and birthday cards (often with checks!). Enduring friendships with Clarice Zimmer and Lynnette Gaza (and pup “Lovie”) were special to her, as were those with Meredith classmates. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Thomas Morris, half-brothers Carroll Morris, Clyde Morris, Wallace Kelley, Burnette Kelley and James Kelley, half-sister Christine Morris Mustian, and nephews Reginald Morris, Raynald Morris, Jack Morris and Clyde D. Morris, Jr. Diagnosed with end stage renal disease, Ginger was invited to return home to Henderson to spend her remaining weeks with her dear friend (and “partner in crime”) Margaret Butler and niece Linnea Westbrook. Ginger was fiercely independent and always chose her own path. She decided to live her life to the fullest even up to the day before she died. In her final weeks, she openly put her affairs in order, enjoyed the Tar Heels basketball victories, attended church Easter Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Henderson where her father had been a deacon, and acknowledged that she had been blessed with “a good life.” Her family is forever grateful to Margaret Butler, Linnea Westbrook, Dr. Marc Rogers, 3HC Home Health and Hospice Care, hospice providers Anna and Christina, and caregivers Carrie, Carolyn and Keisha, who allowed Ginger to spend her final time receiving visitors and to end her life in dignity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church in Henderson, P.O Box 75, Henderson, NC 27536, designated for ACTS or First Baptist Music Programs.