Virginia (Ginger) Willmann

Virginia Ann “Ginger” Willmann was born on August 13, 1940, in San Angelo, Texas, to parents Alma Marie Wade Smith and Houston Edward Smith.

Ginger grew up in Marfa, Texas but later moved to Bryan, Texas when her father started working for Texas A&M College. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1958 and later attended Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Fashion Design. She met the love of her life, James Leonard “Leo” Willmann on a blind date and the rest was history. They were married on June 2, 1962, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in College Station, Texas.

Shortly after their marriage, Ginger and Leo began moving around the State of Texas while Leo worked for Sears and spent some time in the Army at Ft Bliss, where their son Gary was born in 1965. Ginger spent her time in El Paso teaching at a small Catholic school. Their adventures led them back to Bryan, Texas, where their daughter Jennifer was born in 1968.

Before settling in Sulphur, Louisiana for 27 years, the family also lived in Victoria, Beaumont, Midland and Tyler, Texas. Ginger made friends wherever she went. The “Marge Lane Gang” was a very special group of neighborhood ladies she would often meet for coffee and shopping. In the early 1980’s Ginger started substitute teaching at WW Lewis Junior High and Sulphur High School. Before long, she was a favorite not only by students, but also administrators and fellow teachers. She continued teaching until Leo fell sick, then she devoted her life to his care until he passed away in 2003. At that time Ginger moved to Frisco, Texas to be close to Gary and Jennifer and those wonderful grandchildren that she loved so much.

When Ginger wasn’t spending time with her family, she was very involved at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. She made friends everywhere she went and always had an impact on others, with her infectious smile and laughter. Seton Singles was a place where she met some of her closest friends and “Game Night Girls” as she called them. Even during covid when people were not getting together, her friends helped her manage how to ZOOM so they could continue to gather and see each other. Those game nights were such a highlight to her days.

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Ginger always put her family first and was a constant, supporting presence in her family’s life until her passing. Her faith was strong and a witness to those she knew, even in the end. She drew strength from that faith throughout her life, especially as she fought cancer.

Ginger went to her heavenly home and met the Lord on April 19, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother. She is survived by her son Gary, and wife Jeanie; her daughter Jennifer Worth, and husband Brad; and her most prized accomplishment her five grandchildren: Rachel and Lauren Willmann and Brandon, Cameron, and Kathryn Worth.

Ginger will be greatly missed by all who knew her and will hold a special place in our hearts until we see her again.

The family will receive friends for a visitation, Monday, April 24, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options.

The family will host an additional visitation for friends, Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. with a rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home, 1515 Montezuma St., Columbus, Texas 78934.

There will be a mass to celebrate Ginger’s life Friday, April 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 1602 Bowie St., Columbus, Texas 78934.

Ginger will be laid to rest at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, 1514 Montezuma St
Columbus, Texas 78934 following the mass.

Ginger loved angels, so in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ginger’s name to St Elizabeth Ann Seton Building Fund: Angel Adoration-Stained Glass, 2700 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas 75023.