Virginia ‘Ginny’ Jackson
Raleigh
Ginny Jackson was born on April 14, 1932, near Franklin, West Virginia, to Guy Lee and Elsie Messick. She grew up in Ellicott City, an historic town outside of Baltimore. After graduating from Catonsville High School, she worked as a bank teller at National Bank in Virginia and Maryland. She was brought up in the United Brethren Church, where her paternal grandfather was a minister, but she became a Baptist after meeting Tom. They were married in his home church in Baltimore on June 8, 1952, by her grandfather, Rev. L.C. Messick and by Tom’s pastor.
Tom was a student at the University of Richmond, but he was also pastor of a country church outside Fredericksburg, Vitginia He continued his studies at Southeastern Seminary, and Ginny maintained their home and worked at the bank. When he was graduated from the seminary, she was awarded a well-deserved honorary degree called PHT, whose Latin name means “Putting Hubby Through.”
After Tom completed seminary, he entered the Johns Hopkins University for graduate study and became associate pastor of the First Baptist Church of Baltimore. During those years, Ginny continued to keep the “home fires burning,” working at the First National Bank of Maryland. Her competence and customer relations skills were recognized by her supervisor who assigned her to instruct newer tellers.
Her congenial personality, her concern for others, and personal authenticity were a great asset to the ministry she shared with Tom. Wherever they served, Ginny was cherished by old and young. For many years, she rocked and cuddled babies in the church nursery and provided a loving environment for all the children around her. She also served as hostess for the midweek church dinners, both in McLean and Wake Forest, planning meals, ordering food, and overseeing teams of volunteers who assisted her in serving hundreds of dinners. On July 7, 2016, Ginny heard the Lord calling, “Come to me.” Good and faithful servant she was, she answered that call.
Ginny is survived by her husband of 64 years, Tom; their son, Lyle and his fiancee, Sarah; her brother, Lewis, his wife, Pat, and their family.
A memorial service honoring Ginny’s life will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon July 30, 2016, at the Wake Forest Baptist Church. Friends may visit with the family immediately follow the service in the church fellowship building.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Wake Forest, NC (919-556-5811)
Willis Holding Winston
Wake Forest
Willis Holding Winston, 93, of Wake Forest passed away at his home on July 18, 2016. He was born in Youngsville but lived in Wake Forest for the majority of his life. He was the son of the late Rosa Holding Winston and Joseph Aubrey Winston.
A graveside funeral service was held at 11 Wednesday morning, July 20, 2016, at Oak Level Christian Church Cemetery in Youngsville.
A World War II veteran, he was a member of the 1st Marine Division, having seen action at Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu.
Willis retired from Westinghouse after 30 years. He was active in the local community having served on the Wake Forest Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He was a long time member of Oak Level Christian Church serving as a deacon, trustee, Sunday school teacher and member of the choir.
Willis was also an avid woodworker and enjoyed making gifts for others.
He is survived by his daughter, Janice Herring and her husband James; son, Bill Winston and his wife, Wendy; two grandchildren, Molly Winston and Holding Winston; and extended family. In addition to his parents, Willis was predeceased by his wife, Ethel Hudson Winston, and a brother, Joseph Aubrey Winston Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oak Level Christian Church, 2279 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville, NC 27596.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you for the caregivers of Stay at Home Senior Care and numerous friends and family that attended to Willis in his final years.
A service of Bright Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 405 S. Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
