Virginia Rose "Ginger" Greene
Virginia Rose (Ginger) Greene, 67, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, went to be with her precious Lord on January 17, 2024.
Born July 15, 1956, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she was the youngest of three children born to Chevius and Tressa Greene. Within days of her birth, Ginger was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a congenital birth defect resulting in brittle bones. This disease left her with physical limitations, but it could not derail her indomitable spirit. Her radiant smile and quick laugh disarmed those who were uncomfortable with her stature, wheelchair, braces, or scooter.
Ginger’s parents were key to her “can do” attitude. Determined that their daughter would not be hindered by her physical condition, they petitioned and won permission for her to enter a regular classroom in the first grade at Missionary Ridge School. Ginger attended Dalewood Junior High and graduated Brainerd High School, all while wheelchair bound.
In 1973, Ginger was the first person in the nation with OI to use an innovative type of permanent corrective leg brace. She practiced in secret with her new braces and surprised her graduation class by walking across the stage at the ceremony.
A diligent student, Ginger graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1979 with a B.A. in Music and a B.S. in Elementary Education. She served on the UTC Student Conduct Board for four years and was a member of the Section 504 for the Handicapped Committee. She was a vibrant and hilarious member of the campus Baptist Student Union, where she formed and then maintained lifelong friendships.
A beloved educator, Ginger’s teaching career spanned 28 years at Battlefield Elementary in Catoosa County, Georgia, where she found her niche with third graders. She was known for bringing out the best in every student. Faculty and students alike were inspired daily by her positive attitude which was fueled by grit and determination.
Ginger was named the 1981 Professional Handicapped Woman of the Year for the Tennessee District and an Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1984. She completed her M.Ed. in 1985. Her peers at Battlefield Elementary named her Teacher of the Year for 1988-1989 and again in 2002-2003.
Ginger’s long-reaching influence and widespread impact demonstrated the power of a life surrendered to Christ. Ginger grew up at Brainerd Baptist Church where she developed a love for her Lord and a passion for Bible study and prayer. She was a dynamic member of Brainerd Baptist Youth and God’s Minority, maturing her faith through mission trips and teaching VBS. She lifted her heart songs to her Savior through the sanctuary and handbell choirs, as well as playing piano hymns. For the last 20 years, she was a devoted member of Concord Baptist Church. Her unshakable faith was deepened as she served in the children’s ministry and then became a compassionate advocate for elderly parishioners.
Ginger was preceded in death by her loving parents, Chevius and Tressa Greene; and niece Brittany Greene.
She is survived by her two brothers Dr. Tom Greene and wife Janice, Bristol, Virginia; Dr. Richard Greene and wife Millie, Savannah, Tennessee; niece Dr. Courtney Vance and husband Joe, Atlanta, Georgia; nephews, James Andrew Greene, Esq., Bristol, Virginia; Tyler Wells Greene, Charleston, South Carolina; Dr. Stephen Greene and wife Dr. Melissa Greene, Savannah, Tennessee; Dr. Will Greene and wife Dr. Ginny Greene, Columbia, Tennessee; beloved great nieces and great nephews; and generations of extended family. Ginger’s capacity to love unconditionally drew her into the circle of many families who considered her their own.
A Celebration of Ginger’s Life will be held on Saturday January 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at Concord Baptist Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:00 am. Ginger will be laid to rest privately alongside her parents in the Chattanooga Memorial Park.
Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with Ginger’s arrangements.