Virginia Willard

Born July 9, 1943, in Pittsburg, TX, she was the daughter of Thomas M. Gresham and Hazel Chance Gresham. Ginny graduated from the University of Texas School of Nursing and earned her master’s degree in Nursing Education from the University of Alabama, where she taught in the School of Nursing before starting a family. She later continued her professional career spending more than 20 years as an educator in the Jefferson County and Hoover City School systems at Rocky Ridge Elementary School, from where she retired and continued to maintain a cherished circle of teacher friends. Ginny loved the Texas Longhorns and enjoyed needle crafting, gardening, and reading, especially mysteries and books about British history. She traveled extensively throughout her life, visiting most states, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Ginny was a faithful member of the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. She enjoyed volunteering and supporting numerous charitable endeavors throughout her life, most recently as a volunteer for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and knitting baby blankets for families in need.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Thomas M. Gresham Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Albert E. Willard, of the home; her son Michael Willard and wife, Alison, of Hickory, N.C.; her daughter Christine Henley and husband, Mark, of Denton, TX; and grandsons Watson and Lachlan Willard and Patrick Henley.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Currie-Johnson Funeral Home in Hoover, AL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Children’s Harbor of East Alabama, (205) 847-4632, or Jessie’s Place at Jimmie Hale Mission in Birmingham, AL.

Jessie's Place - Jimmie Hale Mission

The family will receive friends following the service.