Virginia Dickinson's Obituary
Virginia Dickinson, 85, of Germantown, TN, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023 after living a number of years with dementia. Virginia was born to Dr. and Mrs. William and Ruth Thaxton in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Known as “Gina” to her friends and family, she spent her high school years supporting her high school team as a majorette and hanging out with her best friends, Delo, Barbara Ann “Bubbles” and Mary Kay. She met her high school sweetheart and husband, Howard “Gene” playing a game at her best friend’s and future sister-in-law, Delo’s house. After marrying Gene and Gina spent time in Las Cruces, New Mexico, El Paso, Texas, Albuquerque, New Mexico and finally to Germantown, Tennessee in 1976.
Always dedicated to serving others, Gina spent many years volunteering her time and talents in the Germantown Woman’s Club, the Suburban Garden Club, on the Germantown City Beautification Committee, and for the MIFA Christmas Store. She took pride in being in charge of the Suburban Garden Club’s Yearbook and would spend hours making sure that it was perfect. Through these associations and through her church group and Bible studies, she made many lifelong friends, including her best friend, “partner in crime”, and lifelong supporter, Ann Knox. Gina also loved to entertain friends and family, and she was always willing to open her home to those traveling through the area.
Throughout their years together, Gina and Gene were fortunate enough to explore the world by air, land and sea. One of their most favorite destinations was Durango, Colorado where their best friends, Betty and O.D. Perry lived. It wasn’t unheard of for their visit with the Perry’s to result in making mass amounts of midnight fudge, several dozens of donuts, or even down jackets for the kids.
Gina was very loving and kind to everyone she met and always had a true heart for those in need, evidenced by the time she cared for her neighbor’s daughter, Jenifer, when her mother had passed. Gina treated Jenifer as one of her daughters for years after, including her in family holiday celebrations. She loved raising her three daughters, Dana, Sheri, and Lisa but really treasured the opportunity of spending time with her four grandchildren, Kyle, Lauren, Kelsey, and Will as their beloved Nana.
She leaves behind three daughters: Dana Payne (Tom) of Bartlett, Sheri Jones (Brian) of Sugar Land, TX, and Lisa Peacock (Brad) of Chelsea, AL; four grandchildren: Kyle and Kelsey Jones, and Lauren and Will Peacock; sisters-in-law Dolores Dennard and Lynn Dickinson, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11-1pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery in Memphis, TN.
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