Mrs. Virginia Work Funk Gamble, of Tuscumbia and Florence, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2017, after a brief illness. Visitation will be in Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, from 10:00 until 11:30, Wednesday, May 17, with the service to follow. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia, Morrison Funeral Home presiding.
Ginny Gamble, or “Grandmother Ginny” as she was known by so many, had a full and wonderful life, touching many lives in her 93 years! She was born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1923, the eldest of three children. She attended Ohio State University, but when World War II began, she started work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where she met her husband, Joe. They were married on January 30, 1943. A “Southern boy,” they settled in Tuscumbia after the war, nearer his family. She remained there, raising their three sons, even after Joe’s death in 1970.
As a widow, she found a niche for herself as a bridal consultant and wedding coordinator. Her fun-loving personality and gregarious nature helped her become a much-sought-after advisor to brides from all over North Alabama.
Ginny resided in Tuscumbia for over 60 years, only moving to Florence in later years to be closer to her sons. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Tuscumbia, where she was a member of Hope Circle, United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Reknown as a wonderful cook, she has always loved entertaining and preparing meals for anyone who came into her home. For years, she hosted a large group of “friends of her boys,” grown men who knew her sons, Gary and Steve. An invitation to her summer luncheons was happily accepted and it was not unusual for her to prepare for 25 or more! Her four grandchildren have wonderful memories of staying overnight and making breakfast – anything they wanted – with her! Waffles were always a favorite.
A terrific story-teller, Ginny kept the grandchildren enthralled with tales of “what their daddies did when they were little boys!” Some of her best tales also came from the many mishaps that she witnessed in helping with weddings throughout the area.
Ginny loved to travel and some of her happiest times were annual beach trips with family. She also loved visiting places all over the United States and the few extended travels she made. Her zest for seeing new things and having new experiences made her a joy.
Another of her passions was Alabama football and she looked forward to the fall of the year, when Saturdays were spent pulling for her team. She only had split loyalties when they played Ohio State!
Ginny always put family first. She loved visits from her family, especially her great grandsons who live locally. She loved when her three great-grandchildren from Dothan came for a visit.
Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Jeff Gamble, Huntsville, and a sister, Harriett Hall, and a brother, Henry Funk, both of Springfield, Ohio. She is survived by two sons, Steve Gamble and Gary Gamble (Kathy), both of Florence. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Richard Gamble (Sandy), Dothan; Virginia Daye Winsett (Brian), Tuscumbia; Katie McAlpin (Andy), and Jenifer Merry (Geoffrey), of Florence. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, Tiara Gamble, Ruby Gamble and Max Gamble, Dothan; Emma Daye Winsett, Tuscumbia; Henry Merry, Ian Merry and Will McAlpin, Florence. Additionally, she is survived by loving nieces, nephews and extended family.
Pallbearers will include Alan August, Bill Gullett, Rob Gullett, Andy McAlpin Geoffrey Merry, Dale Nesbitt and Jack Staples.
Ginny was one of the most warm-hearted people you will ever meet. She was funny, fun-loving and loved sharing a good laugh. She enjoyed spending time hearing of all the comings and goings of her family, wanting to know every detail. Whether called “Mother,” “Aunt Ginny,” “Grandmother Ginny,” or “Great-Grandmother,” she truly epitomized the definition of unconditional love – and it was returned to her ten-fold!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.
