Mrs. Virginia Thorne “Ginny” Marshall was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior and her beloved husband, Harry Smith Marshall, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following 97 beautiful years of life. A lifelong resident of Tangier Island, she was the daughter of the late James Wesley Thorne and Hattie Virginia Chambers Thorne.
Known for her genuine kindness and caring spirit, faith was a guiding force in every aspect of Ginny’s life, and it showed. As an invaluable member of her church and community, both of which she remained dedicated to throughout her life, she led by example each and every day. Ginny filled many roles at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church over the decades, including leading the women’s society and ladies’ prayer band and playing an active role in the choir, and she was always prepared to teach Sunday school.
Ginny loved her island and was always there for friends and neighbors. Her greatest gift to those she loved was the gift of reassurance, and she knew when it was needed the most. For as long as most can remember, Ginny worked side by side with Williams Funeral Home and Bradshaw and Sons Funeral Home, assisting them with honoring the lives of countless Tangier men and women. For Ginny this wasn’t a job, it was a privilege, a calling she felt allowed her to be there for others. She would want to remind those who are missing her earthly presence to remember you will meet again. And, oh, what a glorious reunion it will be!
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Lorraine Marshall, of Tangier, and Harry Smith “Smithy” Marshall and his wife, Susan, of Burgess; her sisters, Grace Pruitt and Alice Crockett, both of Tangier; her grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Parks, Greg Parks, Michelle Jenkins, and Stacey Marshall; her great-grandchildren, Scott, Sydney, and Gregory Parks, Andrew Jenkins, and Travis Spring; her sisters-in-law, Evelyn and Frances Thorne and Ruth Marshall; special friend, Yvonne Smith; baby girl, Sharon Lynn; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Isabel Parks and Bob, Jack, and Don Thorne.
A service in celebration of Ginny’s life and legacy will be held at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Charles W. Parks III officiating. There will be a time of sharing at the church one hour prior to the service and all are invited to join the family for a meal in the church social hall immediately following the service.
Contributions in Ginny’s memory may be made to Swain Memorial UMC, P.O. Box 199, Tangier, VA 23440.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Williams Funeral Homes of Onancock and Parksley are honored to have the opportunity to provide arrangements, and even more so, are grateful to have known and worked alongside Mrs. Ginny Marshall.
