Virginia "Ginger" Chambless

Ginger was born on April 18,1949 at Ft McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia to Lt Col Orne D. and Kathryn "Katie" Judd Smith. She released her earthly burden on December 18, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio and is now with her husband of 51 years, R. Proctor Chambless, Jr, who preceded her in death in February of 2023.

Growing up an Army "Brat," Ginger and her family moved with her father's assignments. After his passing in 1961, Katie and the girls (Jackie, Ginger, and Cathy) settled in Atlanta across the street from Cross Keys High School on Curtis Drive in Brookhaven. It was at CCHS that Ginger met Proctor, although they did not start their courtship until after Graduation.  Ginger attended William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia as a Presidential Scholar and a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Ginger and Proctor were engaged winter of 1970 during their senior year. Ginger graduated in 1971 with a Bachelors Degree in Art History. Proctor and Ginger were married in Atlanta at Peachtree Presbyterian Church on November 27, 1971. Together they welcomed two children, Jason Orne (Margie- Children Bailey and Carter) and Kate Elizabeth (Jason McMullan- Children Ori and Thackston).

A classically trained Soprano, Ginger was deeply involved in choirs and musical theatre for all of her adult life. She has appeared in Community and College Productions of "Carousel," "Oklahoma," "My Fair Lady," "The Miracle Worker," and "Steel Magnolias" to name a few.  She even appeared with Proctor in "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest"  and with Jason and Kate in "Bye, Bye Birdie." At Christmastime she could be found singing "The Messiah" or "O, Holy Night." Anyone who knew Ginger has a memory of her beautiful voice.

With Proctor in his Ministry, Ginger also served in many ways (Deacon/Elder/teacher/choir member) at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina; First Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, Alabama; First Presbyterian Church, Marianna, Florida; John Knox Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina; Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Bethpage, Tennessee; Milldale Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Tennessee; Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church, Dublin, Georgia: First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Tennessee.  Proctor served Interim Pastorates at First Presbyterian Church, Waycross, Georgia; First Presbyterian Church, Cornelia, Georgia; and Vidalia Presbyterian Church, Vidalia, Georgia.

While living in Marianna, Florida, Ginger taught Humanities at Chipola College, received her Masters in Library Science from Florida State University, and worked at the Jackson County Public Library. As Proctor's Calls took them to other states, Ginger's love for education and pubic libraries followed. She served as a Reference Librarian in the Laurens County Public Library System (GA), Middle Georgia College, and Middle Tennessee State University as well as countless volunteer hours in public school libraries.

Ginger is survived by her children and grandchildren as well as her Mother-in-Law, Betty Holmes Chambless, her Brother-in-Law, Phillip Michael Chambless, Sr. (Ouida), and loving nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local Arts Association or Public Library in her memory.

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Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Chambless family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.

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