Virginia Walker Whitman

Gingy was born to her parents, Virginia Walker and Jerome Walker, in Port Chester, New York on October 3, 1947. The youngest of five children, Gingy grew up in Rye, New York. She graduated high school from the School of the Holy Child. After high school, Gingy first attended Newton College in Boston. She then transferred to another Jesuit college, Spring Hill College, in Mobile, AL. Gingy graduated from Spring Hill in 1969 with a degree in English.

After finishing college, Gingy moved to Atlanta. There, in late 1970, Gingy met fellow Spring Hill graduate, William Whitman, who had recently returned from a tour of duty in Vietnam as an Army Lieutenant. Gingy and William had a whirlwind romance, highlighted by William hitchhiking to New York to be with Gingy and her family for Christmas. On March 20, 1971, Gingy and William married. After their wedding, Gingy and William moved to William’s hometown of Memphis where they began their married life together.

While William principally worked in real estate, Gingy worked as a bridal consultant at Goldsmith’s, Macy’s, and most recently Babcock’s, getting to know many of the new brides in Memphis.

Gingy and William had two children, Christine and Bill. Gingy, who was athletic and enjoyed playing various sports, was a fixture at all Christine and Bill’s sporting events — from swimming meets to tennis matches, basketball to soccer games — cheering her children on.

Gingy’s Catholic faith was important to her throughout her life. Gingy was a parishioner and communicant at St. Louis Catholic Church for the past fifty-three years. She attended Catholic schools, and as well sent her children to Catholic schools. Just a couple of months ago, Gingy flew to Pittsburgh to serve as the Confirmation sponsor for one of her grandchildren.

Gingy loved spending time with and caring for her grandchildren; planning and taking her family on their annual trip to the Gulf Coast; reading a good mystery; swimming laps at the YMCA three times a week; enjoying a cup of tea with breakfast, a Coca-Cola with lunch and glass (or two) of wine with dinner; playing golf and bridge with friends and family; and knowing the answer to final Jeopardy.

Gingy is survived by her two children and their spouses: Christine Whitman McBee and Ward Kimbrough McBee (Memphis, Tennessee); and William George Whitman IV and Lisa Andeen Whitman (Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania). In addition, Gingy is survived by her seven grandchildren: Mary Frances McBee, Jack McBee, George McBee, Sophia Whitman, William Whitman V, John Whitman, and Juliet Whitman, to whom Gingy was affectionately known as Gigi. Gingy is also survived by her sister Mary Ann McGrath (Clarks Green, Pennsylvania), her brother Richard Walker (Kathy) (Long Beach, Indiana), and sister-in-law, Emelia Smith (Jim) (Memphis).

Gingy is predeceased by her husband, William George Whitman III; her parents, Jerome Walker and Virginia Walker; her brother, Jerome Walker; and her sister, Barbara Walker.

Gingy was particularly close with many of her twenty-one nieces and nephews, and some very dear, long-time family friends.

Easy to get along with and someone everyone liked to spend time with, Gingy was known for being a devoted spouse, a favorite aunt, and a loyal friend. Most of all, she was a wonderful mother and a beloved and fun-loving Gigi. Gingy acted justly, loved goodness and walked humbly with God.

Visitation will be at St. Louis Catholic Church at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11. There will be a funeral Mass at St. Louis at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in the Clunan Center. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gingy’s name to St. Louis Catholic School, Christian Brothers High School, or Spring Hill College.