Virginia Woodard Brown

Virginia Woodard Brown, known affectionately to all as “Ginny”, passed away in Orange, Ca., on January 18, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Ginny was born on November 21, 1924, in Hamlet, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Montie Woodard, her husband David, and her sons Stephen and Randall. She is survived by her sons Ronald (Reyna) and Christopher (Rebecca); grandchildren Sherrelen (Ernesto), Meghen (Chris), Eren (Lance), Joshua, Shantal, Natali (Isaac), David, Keith (Michael), Daniel and Tracy. Ginny also has fifteen (15) great-grandchildren and three (3) great-great-grandchildren.

Ginny was an only child but did not lack for company. She had a large extended family and a group of close friends since her early school years. Ginny met David, the love of her life, while he was stationed in North Carolina. After a short courtship, they were married on April 1, 1945. After David returned from military service, they moved to Southern California, eventually settling in Santa Ana and later, in Tustin.

Ginny’s adjustment to California was made easier by her sister-in-law, who introduced her to family, friends, the community and service organizations. Ginny was active as a volunteer in her children’s schools and at Church, the Santa Ana Ebell Club and with David, at the local Elks Lodge. Most Sundays were spent at church and then with family and friends at the San Onofre Surfing Club. Ginny assisted in the family business (Santa Ana Bookstore) in various capacities.

Following their retirement, David and Ginny moved to Palm Springs, where Ginny lived until 2018. Both David and Ginny were too active to be fully retired, so they re-joined the work force. She was employed by the Desert Island Country Club, and after nearly twenty years, retired permanently.

Ginny traveled the world with friends, often returning to her favorite place, Avalon. Through the years, she was known as a “good” Bridge player and was an avid reader. Ginny remained in contact with her children and grandchildren on a weekly basis. She loved her family dearly and was very loyal to them. Her acceptance, positive outlook, encouragement, generosity and love for family and friends, made her one-of-a-kind. Her warm and embracing smile was always with her.

Services will be held at Fairhaven Memorial Park on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. Visitation will be from 10:45 am to 11:45 am in the Magnolia Oak Room. Services to begin at 12:00 noon at Waverly Chapel with burial at Fairhaven following the service