Virginia, “Gin”, was born on a cold January morning to Lt. Col. Virgil “Ace” Lindsey and Jane Highsmith Lindsey in Wilmington, North Carolina. She spent much of her childhood sharing the backseat of a car with her sister as the family moved often due to military transfers. She saw and lived in all corners of the country, including Maine, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. A transfer in 1962 landed the family at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming where Gin attended and graduated as salutorian from Cheyenne Central High School. Her tenure there was acknowledged by her classmates when they voted her Most Likely to Succeed.
After high school, she continued her education at the University of Wyoming as both an undergraduate and graduate student , ultimately becoming a member of the English faculty. Literature was her passion. She was a dedicated member of the Jane Austen Society and always had a stack of books by her favorite reading chair. As an undergrad she pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority, enjoying the friendships she made there, some of them lifelong. She was quite proud of being a Tri Delt and served as the alumni advisor for many years.
Gin excelled at everything she did. She was an excellent student, accomplished pianist, graceful synchronized swimmer, competitive Bridge player and a great dancer. Nobody had a better sense of humor or more ready wit. She was a lady, a scholar and the best little sister.
She is survived by and will be terribly missed by her big sister, Ann Sult of Prescott, AZ, her brother-in-law Jim, and their children Jim Jr., Collin and Jane. She is also survived by two great nephews and a great niece and her North Carolina family of cousins. Gin loved them all and her passing has saddend the whole family.
Gin treasured her dogs who greeted her at the rainbow bridge. In her memory, any contribution to an animal rights organization would truly please her.
Vaya con Dios beloved sister.
Virginia Cole was a customer of mine for decades, dating to when I started my business. Virginia was a wonderful shining light in this world and I will miss her very much. I have not known a kinder, more clever being.
The only time Gin and I ever spent together was during a Lindsey Family Reunion at Lake Junaluska, NC in 1992. Gin and my husband are first cousins and the reunion afforded me the opportunity to meet a lot of extended family members for the first time. Folks came from Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, the United Kingdom and, of course, Wyoming. I was asked to drive from Lake Junaluska to pick up Gin at the Asheville airport, a 45-minute trip. Having flown a lot on business, I expected Gin to be tired and a bit jet-lagged and perhaps not very talkative but that was not the case. She was warm, animated, chatty, and fun. We hit it off from the first introduction and talked all the way back to Lake Junaluska. During the next few days we were immersed in the larger family group, swapping tales from the past and sharing family lore, but never had another chance to just talk one-on-one. Thirty-four years later, I still remember Gin’s warmth and excitement and the personal connection we made. Linda Lindsey
So sorry for your loss. Gin was a very gracious, sweet sole. Loved her!