Virginia Cecelia Tinsley

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Virginia Cecelia Tinsley, who left us on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the age of 83. Ginger, as she was affectionately known, was born on July 2, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Jacobus and Harriet Vanderlee. Ginger graduated from Texas City High School in 1959.

A remarkably courageous pioneer, Ginger ventured into the workforce at a time when few women did. She began her journey with a paper route for the Houston Post, rising at 2 AM to complete her route before returning home to prepare breakfast and lunches for her family. Her determination and resilience led her to a position at Lipton Tea in Galveston, where she worked diligently until the plant's closure. Undeterred by challenges, she then broke barriers in the male-dominated field at Marathon Oil in Texas City, serving as a Petroleum Operator for 20 years before retiring in 1997.

Ginger, affectionately known as Momma, Grandma, or “GG,” was truly one of a kind. An extraordinary mother and matriarch, she was always there with unwavering support, wisdom, and love. Her life was centered around her family, and she was the glue that held us all together. Her holiday celebrations—Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—were unmatched, filled with joy and warmth. A master gardener and talented landscaper, she took immense pleasure in nurturing her plants and her loved ones, particularly her rose garden, “Gracie’s Garden,” named in honor of her only granddaughter. Ginger was also a talented athlete, having won a high school state championship in badminton, and she loved water skiing. Known for her knack for finding great deals, her Red Hat Society friends affectionately dubbed her the “Baroness of Bargains.” Her guiding principle, “I will find a way or make one,” perfectly captured her determined spirit and resilience.

Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Jacobus and Harriet Vanderlee, and by her beloved husband, Jack Tinsley, whom she married in 1980. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Sidney Rambin and his wife Kristi, and Danny Rambin, as well as her daughter, Theresa. Ginger’s cherished legacy also includes her grandchildren, Dillon Rambin, Devin Brown and his wife Ashlyn, Remington Connors, Ty Daniel, Cody Jack, and Gracie Rambin, as well as her great-grandchildren, Damon Rambin, Liam, Valentina, and Makenzie Connors. Her family finds comfort in the enduring impact of her love and the many joyful memories she has left behind.

The love and warmth Ginger brought to our lives will be deeply missed, and her absence will be profoundly felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A private memorial service was held at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, Texas.