Virginia “Ginger” Munafo, a longtime resident of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away Thursday at Huntsville Hospital after a prolonged illness, surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Ginger was reared by her mother, aunt and uncle. At the tender age of two, she contracted polio which left one arm and one leg permanently impaired. However, this early adversity only fueled her extraordinary determination to excel in all her endeavors.
Ginger was an art major at MSCW (now Mississippi University for Women). Her artistic pursuits included fashion, music, decorating, dancing, and painting. Watercolor was her most challenging paint medium and her favorite. She generously shared her artwork, and many of her paintings now adorn the homes of fortunate family members.
She began a Huntsville real estate career in the 1970s and was always a top agent who worked tirelessly for her clients. Her favorite hobby was playing duplicate bridge. She reached Diamond Life Master status and was one of the best players in the state. Their camp in Grand Isle, Louisiana, provided 15 years of family Christmas vacations where birdwatching and fishing for speckled trout were the chief pastimes.
But her greatest love was her family and she delighted in spending quality time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family as well as treasured friends. Ginger, a selfless soul filled with love, was always quick to forgive. Her warmth and kindness touched everyone. She always lit up any room and her poise, charm and elegance made anyone she encountered feel special. She was an extraordinary role model for her children and grandchildren. Words cannot describe how much she will be missed.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Munafo of Huntsville; son, Robert “Bob” Gillis (Marsha) of Arlington, Texas; daughter, Susan “Suzy” Stephens (Brad) of Hampton Cove; and stepson, Robert Munafo (Rick Hendrie) of Barrington, Rhode Island; grandsons, Sam Gillis (Varner Bannister) of Huntsville, Dan Gillis (Mary Whorl) of Arlington, Virginia, and Grant Stephens of San Antonio, Texas; granddaughter, Holly Stephens of Birmingham; and great-grandson, Blaine Gillis of Arlington, Virginia.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Hampton officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, after which guests are invited to her home for refreshments and a continued celebration of her life.
