Virginia "Ginny" Aiken Biggs
Virginia "Ginny" Biggs, 89, died on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Bridgewater Retirement Community.
Ginny was born on August 2, 1935 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ginny was the daughter of the late Rev. Howard McKnight Wilson and Virginia Aiken (Pritchard) Wilson. Ginny lived nearly all her life in various Virginia locations.
Following her years at Wilson Memorial High School, Ginny attended Madison College (now James Madison University), graduating in 1957 with a degree in Home Economics Education. She began working as a Home Extension Agent. In 1958, Ginny married Tom Biggs, a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, soon to be ordained as a Presbyterian Minister. After marriage, Ginny continued her Home Extension Service until she became a mother. Ginny later earned her Master's Degree in Special Education/Learning Disabilities at Georgia State University. Ginny worked as a Special Education Teacher for many years at schools in Rockbridge & Clarke Counties (VA) and in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
In 1999, Ginny & Tom retired to Penn Laird, Virginia, later moving into Sunnyside Retirement Community nearby. Although retired, Ginny stayed busy teaching Adult Literacy and E.S.L. (English Language Learning). Ginny was appointed to the Sunnyside Board and did much volunteer work at Sunnyside. She volunteered at her church Food Pantry service and also volunteered on local Habitat for Humanity projects.
Ginny and Tom were active members of Presbyterian congregations in South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Their last church home was Massanutten Presbyterian Church in Penn Laird, Virginia. In all these churches, Ginny was an active member of Women of the Church, Fellowship Circles & Bible-study groups. An accomplished seamstress, Ginny was always working on sewing projects and later began quilting. Exercise and wellness were passions for Ginny and she led a very active life, including many travel adventures with Tom. Ginny enjoyed bird-watching, gardening, and baking breads.
Ginny is preceded in death by her husband Tom and by her sister, Mary Benthall. She is survived by two children, Mary Beth Biggs and Linda Biggs Bell (Howard); two brothers, Mack Wilson (Nancy), and Bill Wilson (Pat); two grandchildren, Matthew Bell (Libby) and Rachel Bell (Gianluca); and one great-grandchild, Elliott Tucker Bell. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Ginny's ashes will be buried at New Providence Presbyterian Church (Raphine, VA). There will be a 11 a.m. graveside service at New Providence, followed by a 3 p.m. Memorial Service at Massanutten Presbyterian Church. Pastors Keith Phillips and Tom Holden will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Forever Fund" (in honor of the Joy House team) at Bridgewater Retirement Community or to Sunnyside Retirement Community. Donations may also be made to Heifer Project International or to Habitat for Humanity.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Bridgewater, Virginia. Condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com.
