Virginia Gantt

Mrs. Virginia Gantt, 90, of Folkston, where she had lived for over sixty years, died at home of natural causes.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and friends. Ms. Ginny, as she was known by local friends, came to the Folkston community sixty years ago with her husband, Marion P. Gantt. She was born on August 19, 1926 in Hamilton, Bermuda, where she lived until she met and married Mr. Gantt. Mr. Marion Gantt was stationed in Bermuda, where he was a U.S. Navy pilot during World War II.  After they were married, they chose Folkston as a place to settle down, start a local business, and raise their family.  They opened a Western Auto store on Main Street, along with brother-in-law Jim Gantt, in 1949. Both Ms. Ginny and Mr. Marion were life long active members of the local community in business and civic affairs, and members of the Folkston United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Gantt is pre-deceased by her husband, her sisters Lucille Soper of San Diego, Ca. and Patricia Marshall of Somerset, Bermuda, and her brother Cyril (Jimmy) Vallis of Somerset, Bermuda. The survivors are her five children: Vickie Gantt Gilchrist (Ed) of Folkston, Ga., Dr. Robert Marion Gantt (Anne) of Savannah, Ga., Doris Virginia Means of Columbus, Ga., Bryan Vallis Gantt (Lorelle) of Atlanta, Ga., and Erick J. S. Gantt of Chicago, Il.  There are ten grandchildren; Edward Hitch Gilchrist, Jr., Brandon Gantt, Emily Gantt, Elizabeth Gantt, Laura Kate Means, David Means, Courtney Gantt, Dylan Gantt, Hayden Gantt, and Leah Gantt. She also has a sister, Peggy Hollis, a brother and sister-in-law, David and Shirley Vallis, and a sister-in-law, Jeannette Vallis, that still reside in Bermuda.  There are also numerous nieces and nephews here in the States and in Bermuda.
A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, March 25 at 1:30 in Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Jack Varnell officiating.  The family will receive friends Saturday, March 25 at her residence at 3400 Main Street, Folkston, GA from 3-5 PM
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Gantt’s honor to the Folkston United Methodist Church, 1463 3rd St, Folkston, GA 31537 or Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525 or by visiting their web site at www.hospice.me
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, GA 31537.