Virginia M. Hines

Some people devote their lives to their careers, others to their causes. Virginia "Gingie" Hines was a woman who devoted her life to the family who meant the world to her. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and even great-grandmother, who forever put her family's needs ahead of her own. Gingie's story began on a cold February day in 1925, as the winter winds whipped off the lake in Muskegon, Michigan. Those were exciting times in this country, the heyday of the Roaring 20s, a time of big band music, flapper fashion, and Prohibition. The Great Depression was still years away, and there was much to celebrate for many in 1925, particularly for Wilford and Mary Gregory. On February 19, 1925, the couple celebrated the birth of their 13th of 14 children, a daughter they named Virginia Marcella Gregory. There were eight girls and six boys in the family's crowded home on Meeking Street, near Jackson Hill. Gingie's father worked in a local factory to put food on the table, while her mother had the difficult task of running the home and corralling 14 kids! Her mother made sure they all went to church, too, and they were faithful members of the Church of God. Virginia's mother was a woman of great strength, and held the family together when Gingie's father died when she was just 16. Gingie attended Froeble School, and like so many girls of her day, she went through the eighth grade. Soon she had other things on her mind, though. When she was just 14, she met a young man named Odell Hines, who caught her eye while he was showing off on his bicycle one day. Odell was 19, and Gingie's mother wouldn't let her go out with him until she met him, to make sure he was a nice young man. Having passed that test, Gingie also brought her friend Grace along on her and Odell's first date! The couple dated for awhile, but soon were separated by World War II, when Odell enlisted in the Army and served as a medic. They kept in contact, and when the war ended and he was discharged, the young couple was married, on December 7, 1946, in Muskegon. Over the next 17 years, Gingie and Odell were blessed with eight wonderful children; sons Terry, James, Thomas, Siebert, Rick, and Bernie, and daughters Gail and Laura. The young family started out living in the back room of Gingie's mother's house, before moving to homes at Wesley Street, Black Creek Road, and later Henry Street. Eventually, the family settled on Jiroch Street, where they lived for 35 years. Odell provided for his family by working at Norge making refrigerators when they first married, before becoming a bus driver for Fruitport Schools. Virginia took care of her family and her home, which she seemed born to do. Virginia was a wonderful mother, and an amazing cook, as well. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings, and her extravagant Sunday dinners, which drew her children back home even after they were grown. Sundays, of course, were always very special to Virginia, being the devout Christian she was. She made sure her children attended church with her, first at Norton Shores Assembly of God, and later Oak Crest Church of God. Her faith was so important to her, and she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and played the piano, in addition to being a "Prayer Warrior." She also read the Bible front to back several times, and she and her sisters would call and read passages to each other. Gingie and her sisters shared a special bond, and were like peas in a pod together. They were very good at yodeling, and enjoyed speaking "pig Latin" to each other, too! Gingie, Odell and her sisters often took cane poles fishing at Wolf Lake and other spots, then frying up their catch with the bones still in! (Waste not, want not, Odell always said.) The family didn't waste much, as money was always tight with eight hungry mouths to feed. The family enjoyed simpler pleasures, like visiting family up north or in Indiana, or parking their car at the Muskegon Filtration Plant, letting the Lake Michigan waves crash over their car. Gingie also loved to go out for some ice cream, especially Butter Pecan, her favorite. Gingie had other hobbies, like crocheting and quilting, and she loved crossword puzzles and word search puzzles, too. Most of all, though, she loved her family deeply, especially her beloved Odell. One of the greatest days of her life was when Pastor Rogers renewed Virginia's and Odell's vows in their backyard in 1988, with her whole family present. Sadly, the following year, Odell developed cancer, and despite Virginia's loving care, he died in 1989. She was heartbroken at his loss, and because she didn't want to live alone, her grandchildren took turns living with her to keep her company, and to drive her where she needed to go, since she never drove. Her family was happy to help her, just as Virginia always did for anyone in need. She never had a cross word to say about anyone, and didn't want to hear them, either! When her daughter Gail's home burned down, she moved in with Virginia for awhile, with four generations under one roof! Virginia, daughter Gail, granddaughter Kelly and great-granddaughter Seireana shared the home, a special time for Virginia. About 2004, Virginia was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, yet didn't let it dampen her spirits - or her sense of humor. She moved into Riverside Nursing Home in May of 2005, and enjoyed it there very much. Sadly, Virginia had an unexpected heart attack and died January 7, 2007. Virginia was a wonderful woman, a woman of such great faith for the Lord and love for her family. She would do anything for the family she loved more than anything, opening up her home, and especially her heart. Today her heart, and her love, lives on in all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Surviving are her 6 sons; Terry (Sandy), James (Arlene Burnette), Thomas (Kim O'Brian), Seibert (Cindy),Rick (Penny), Bernie (Cindy); 2 daughters Gail Florez, Laura Koon; 23 grand children, 31 great-grandchildren; best friend Virginia Anderson. She was preceeded in death by her husband Odell in 1989 and also by 7 sisters and 6 brothers. Services are Wednesday, January 10, 2007, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Robert Rogers officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.