Ginny Painter

Virginia Painter was an openhearted and unselfish woman, known for her faithfulness to God and dedication to her family. Her sense of humor and kindness won her the respect and friendship of many as she lived out her faith everyday. Those who knew her best adored her and appreciated her sincerity, gentleness, and loving nature.

Sharing the name of the first English baby born in America, little Virginia Dare Jones was born on July 27, 1923, in Loganville, Georgia. Quickly dubbed Ginny, she was the first daughter of Gratis and Cassie (Hogan) Jones and was soon toddling around after her two older siblings, Gratis and Frances. Another sibling,, Fred, joined their crew later. While Ginny was still in school, the Jones family moved to a farm, and she was excited about the animals and activities awaiting her there. Her daily responsibilities helped her develop a strong work ethic as she gathered eggs, fed the livestock, and even helped pick cotton.

After graduating from high school, Ginny found a job at a textile mill examining muslin. Eventually her family sold the farm and returned to Social Circle, Georgia. Ginny was inspired and challenged by her family's record of military service. Like her father and brothers, she enlisted in the Navy, serving in World War II, relishing the hard work and focus that her training required.

While in the service, Ginny and some Navy friends visited Glen Echo Park, a popular amusement park on the Potomac River near the nation's capital. Two young fellows struck up a conversation with her and a friend, then rode the Derby Racer with the ladies. One of the men, Gerald Painter, continued to call Ginny and they began seeing each other. As time passed, they fell in love and Ginny agreed to be Gerald's wife. Their military discharge dates grew closer and they began making wedding plans. They exchanged vows on January 12, 1946, and honeymooned in Boston.

Gerald was originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and he worked hard to convince his southern bride that she would love it there despite the unpredictable weather and cold winters. Ginny conceded and even though they were involved in a car accident during a snow storm on that first trek north, they lived in Grand Rapids for the rest of their years together.

On their first wedding anniversary, Ginny and Gerald had an additional reason to rejoice when they were able to welcome their first born child, Tim, into the world. They eventually gave Tim three sisters, the third arriving sixteen years after he was born. Ginny was a devoted mother and stayed home while the children were young. She taught them valuable life skills, including cooking, cleaning, and sewing. She kept a clean house, pointing out that it should be maintained in case "the president stopped by today." She was a talented cook and her family was blessed with traditional southern fare like fried chicken, biscuits, pecan pie, and of course, grits. The family enjoyed time together, taking short vacations throughout Michigan and making several trips to Georgia to see Ginny's family.

When they moved to Grand Rapids, Ginny began attending Fairmont Baptist Church, later known as North Park Baptist, where she learned that Jesus had died in her place so that she could have a relationship with God. Ginny believed that Jesus was her only hope in this life and the next, and her decision to follow Him was so important that she made a note of the very day she prayed to acknowledge that He was in charge of her life. Starting on December 15, 1946, she began regularly serving in church, helping in whatever ways she could, including working as a Sunday School teacher. Her love for others led her to model her faith in a thousand little ways, especially to her children. She was thrilled that they all professed to believe and follow Jesus, and showed them an example of God's forgiveness when they came to her with an apology after transgressing in some way. Humbly she would answer, "We all do the best we can do," demonstrating forgiveness and understanding as well as expectations of honest effort.

After the kids were in school, she found jobs outside the home in places that suited her, including Montgomery Ward, a laundry mat, and Marianne's Needlework. She liked working and her bosses and co-workers appreciated her attitude. She listened to others without passing judgment, only giving advice when she was asked. Her suggestions were always delivered with love and compassion, honestly and with humility. She looked for positive solutions and ways to encourage, never demeaning or insulting anyone.

Ginny took her responsibilities as a wife and mother seriously and found her greatest satisfaction in serving her family. She also made time to reach out to others, to take care of herself, and to enjoy life, staying active with golf, bowling, socializing, and fishing. Always supportive of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she was there when any of them expressed a need. She loved to play with her young grandchildren and spent countless hours reading with them when they were older.

Ginny never lost her southern hospitality or her accent, which got a little thicker when she got a little feisty. She was rarely seen without a smile and laughed often. She maintained her optimism during her last few weeks in the hospital, smiling and laughing while entertaining the nurses. She was a woman who understood what true love was and knew how to give it and receive it with grace. Ginny leaves her family with countless wonderful memories as well as a shining example of a woman of faith who gave of herself for the sake of Jesus and the betterment of others.

Virginia received God's gracious hand of "come home" without struggle on February 15, 2007. Ginny is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, Gerald; children: Tim Painter, Cindy and Geof Livezey, Karen Laundré, and Sharon and Tedd Litty; grandchildren: Ginger Copus-Sallas, Kris and Nathan Painter, James (Lori) Livezey, Tom (Holly) Livezey, John (Corie) Livezey, Andy (Jenny) Price, Tony (Crystal) Price, Jared, Jillian, and Jennelle and Josie Litty; ten great grandchildren; and many friends.

Ginny was a sixty-one year member of North Park Baptist Church where a service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, February 19, at 2 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE on Sunday, February 18, from 2-4 and from 7-9 p.m. Entombment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Garden. Memorial contributions to the Women's Missionary Fellowship of North Park Baptist Church are appreciated. Please visit Virginia's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guest register, or view Virginia's Life Story film.