Virginia “Ginja” Gillespie passed away on May 14, 2026.

Virginia was born in Newport, Arkansas, to Edward Sr. and King Person and was lovingly raised in Diaz, Arkansas. She graduated from Branch High School in Newport, Arkansas.

In 1970, Virginia moved to Ohio and married her high school sweetheart, Clarence Gillespie. She began her working career at the Smucker’s pickle plant in Medina, Ohio, before pursuing work as a dental hygienist with Dr. George’s Dentistry for several years. Later, she worked at the Alside window factory until her health began to decline.

Virginia found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved fishing, playing bingo, spending time and “goofing off” with her grandchildren, and going “up the way.” Every summer, she looked forward to traveling back to Arkansas to visit her parents and family. She never returned home without bringing back her beloved Arkansas pecans, little red wieners, and hot tamales.

Raised in the church, Virginia remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life and ensured her children were raised in the church as well. She was a devoted member of Greater Temple Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the choir. One of the songs she often led was “Trouble in My Way,” and truly, God fixed it afterwhile.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Sr. and King Person; her brothers, Edward Jr. Person, Robert Person, and Donald Person; her sisters, Emma Turk, Minnie Brown, Mary Ward, and Josephine Harris; and her great-grandchildren, Ci’aire and Sh’aire Person.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband, Clarence Gillespie; her son, Derrick Gillespie; and her daughters, Tina Person-Gillespie, Kristi (Terrence) Jackson, and Barbara (Dwayne) Pruiett. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Tynisha (Marcus Sr.) McCloud, Derrick Moss, Shaniqua Turneur, Jontae Turneur, Tytianna Person, Shanay Gillespie, Amasia Gillespie, Tierra Harris, Terrence Jr. Jackson, and Lamarr Jackson; her sisters, Betty (Walter) Randall and Doris (Shelby) Green; sisters-in-law, Shirley Cox and Jeanette Powell; and her beloved great-grandchildren: D’naya Motley, Aniya Turneur, Marshawn Mitchell, LeToya Gillespie, Shapri Moorer, TaSaylah Moorer, Amoni Turneur, Jonnae Washington, Kennedy Person-Smith, Tysean Smith, Ayonnah Person, Adonis Love, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

She also shared a special bond and birthday memories with her beloved birthday twins/triplets, Rasheed Moore and Keyon Wise.

Virginia’s love, laughter, faith, and warm spirit will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow. Internment Mount Peace Cemetery.