Virginia R. Small's Obituary
Virginia Ruth Russell Small passed away peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2020, three weeks shy of her 91st birthday. Ginny was born on November 8, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Samuel C. and Dorothy Russell. She was raised in Lewes, where she spent the vast majority of her life.
Ginny had a kind and generous soul and had the most positive outlook imaginable. She lived her life gracefully through triumph and tragedy and leaned on her profound faith as inspiration.
After graduating from Lewes High School in 1946, Ginny set off to be independent, taking a job as an administrative assistant for Dr. James Beebe, who also delivered her children. Throughout her life she stayed active. She was active in the Kelly Class at Lewes Presbyterian Church throughout most of her adult life. She taught Sunday school at the church, was a substitute teacher for the Cape Henlopen school district, and after her youngest went to high school, re-entered the workforce as an administrative assistant for the city of Lewes.
Ginny’s life was one of devotion. Devotion to her loving husband, devotion to her children, her community and her church. She was active in her children’s lives, never missing a game or a recital. She loved to bake, and she was good at it! She loved to draw and paint, and she was good at that as well. Most of all she will be remembered for her kindness and her positive outlook on life, truly believing in the power of positive thinking and prayer.
In addition to her parents, Ginny was preceded in death by the love of her life, Frank Bennett Small; her daughter, Stephanie; and her brother, Sam Russell Jr. She is survived by her grateful children: Laurie Reese (Andy) of Salisbury, MD, Steven Small (Colleen) of Lewes, DE, and Russell Small (Kim) of Lewes, DE; her grandchildren, to whom she was Mom-Mom Ginny: Amber Bailey of Chesapeake, VA, Samuel Russell (Danielle) of Lewes, DE, Mason Small (Kristyn) of Lancaster, PA, and Conor Small of Wilmington, DE; and her glorious great-grandchildren: Mckenzie, Grady, Garrett, Evelyn, and Samuel.
Services will be private, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kelly Class, C/O Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.
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