Virginia "Ginny" Poston

PRINCETON - It is with deep sadness that we announce the quiet passing of our dear sister and friend, Virginia Lynn Poston, during the night of January 17, 2026. She left a void in our lives that can never be filled. Virginia, who was called “Gendy” by her family and “Ginny” by her friends, was born to Scott and Virginia Bird Poston on September 14, 1954. A lifelong resident of Princeton, West Virginia, Ginny entered this world with Cerebral Palsy (CP), a condition that would challenge her for the rest of her life. Luckily, Shriners Children's (formerly Shriners Hospitals for Children) in Lexington, Kentucky, opened their doors and their hearts to the Poston family. For several years young Ginny spent months alone at Shriner’s where surgeons improved her mobility, straightened her spine and dealt with other issues associated with CP. She learned, first-hand, how the doctors’ and nurses’ patience, kindness, perseverance, commitment, and dedication was helping her to begin conquering her challenges. During this time, she received a small electric keyboard where she learned to play hymns and popular songs by ear. This was her favorite hobby for years. In between surgeries Ginny would return home to heal and practice her new found abilities. Soon she would be called back to Shriner’s when it was time for a new treatment, extra therapy or additional surgery. Being the sixth child, out of seven, Ginny’s siblings jumped in and helped her in any way they could when she was home. Some said her family spoiled her, but it would have been pure love and compassion that led them in that direction. In 1964, Ginny, along with her three sisters and three brothers, suddenly lost their mother. Overnight, their father became the sole parent of six children ranging in age from nine to seventeen. Relatives, neighbors, teachers and friends rallied to provide as much support as they possibly could. The children helped each other. They all helped their father by working in the gardens; planting in the spring, watering and weeding in the summer, picking the produce and preparing it for canning. The jars of food were enjoyed through the winter and the process of “garden to table” was repeated throughout the years. After graduating from Princeton High School in 1973, Ginny was excited, but at the same time, a bit scared. School had not been easy for her in many ways, but she did not want to stop learning. Church became her vessel for finding the answers to her inquiries. She loved learning about Jesus. Doing so, she strengthened her faith in the Lord and herself. She read and re-read the Bible. She met with others in her church to discuss their beliefs. She became a dedicated Christian, which guided her throughout her life. She began babysitting in her neighborhood where she quickly became a “most wanted” sitter. This led to her being hired as a full-time sitter during the school year by her brother, to care for his new son. This lasted four years, until her brother moved his family to North Carolina. She spent the next forty-one years traveling back and forth to North Carolina for holidays, birthdays and other events. She enjoyed traveling to other siblings’ homes and looked forward to yearly family reunions and other get-togethers. Ginny never met a person she didn’t like, so her group of friends grew. She possessed such a warm and inviting personality. She had a great sense of humor and always had a joke to tell. Having her own struggles and challenges allowed her to reach out to others who needed structure and encouragement in their everyday lives. One day a friend invited her to visit her Salvation Army group with her. She was offered meals, fun activities and discussions about the Bible. That was right up her alley! She loved traveling; Salvation Army provided Ginny and her friends opportunities to take short trips, to go “camping,” to and visit shopping centers in Beckley and beyond. For a number of years, the Salvation Army building was her daily place-to-be. What Ginny lacked in physical abilities did not keep her from enjoying her life to the fullest. She loved to knit, crochet, and play cards, often with her own rules. She crocheted blankets for her friends and family. She volunteered at Princeton Community Hospital for 20 years, which she loved! Her kindness, positive attitude, and work ethics were appreciated by patients and the hospital staff. Being an independent soul, Ginny was the last of the Poston family to remain in Princeton. For 30+ years Ginny called The Princeton Towers home and was active as the Bingo Caller and the pianist for Sunday worship services. The residents became new members of her growing “family.’ Her door was open to her friends where they enjoyed their time together. There were WVU games to watch, card games to play, snacks to share, and soap operas to watch, or just “hang out” in her apartment. She had planned to stay at The Towers forever. Unfortunately, Ginny’s health began to deteriorate in the fall of 2025 and she was “encouraged” to move to Glenwood Health Care Center. She soon realized that she had, indeed, made the right decision! She had a new “home” with help anytime it was needed. They laughed at her jokes, listened to her stories and provided her with daily hugs. The Staff at Glenwood were very caring and helpful. It didn’t take these kind souls long before they were added to her “family.” She was even asked to play the piano for Glenwood’s church services! Although Virginia, “Gendy,” or “Ginny” is no longer here with us, she managed to touch lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Her selflessness, warmth and generous spirit will be remembered forever. *Never forget to share the hilarious events you witnessed involving “Gendy,” “Ginny,” or even Virginia, that need to be told over and over. You know, the ones that left you howling with laughter or laughing until you cried. She would appreciate it, and we all want to hear it!* Those left to cherish Virginia’s memory include her siblings: Betsy and Buddy Carter of Eagle Rock, Va; John and Sandy Poston of Durham, NC; Lucile and Phil Burks of Covington, Va; Chris and Joe Merrell of Newnan, Ga; Steve Poston of Durham, NC; and Scott and Bobbie Poston of Maysville, Ga; nieces: Margaret, Elisabeth, Claire, Jessie, and Evelyn; three nephews: Eric, Brandon and Chris; grand-niece: Maggie; grand-nephews: Daniel, Patrick, Morgan, Evan, and Jackson; one great-nephew, Tripp; and one great-niece arriving in June, 2026. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother, Mildred Swim Poston, and one niece, Emily. The Poston family wishes to thank Ginny’s oncologist, Dr. James Mackey, and his wonderfully efficient staff at the WV Cancer Center in Princeton for their care and treatment of Ginny over the last 3 years. Providing a welcoming and positive atmosphere at each visit showed kindness and commitment. It was greatly appreciated. In addition, The Poston family wishes to acknowledge the entire staff of Glenwood Nursing Center for making Ginny feel loved and respected during her stay in their facility. She felt safe in her surroundings and participated many activities. She appreciated the calm atmosphere within Glenwood and the friendly chats with the staff. She also loved her daily P.T. sessions. She referred to the staff as her “family.” Ginny’s family believes that God led them to Glenwood. In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 1116 Mercer St., Princeton, WV 24740 or to Shriner’s Children’s, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Andrew Maynor officiating. Private interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from noon until service hour at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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Virginia "Ginny" Poston

September 14, 1954 - January 17, 2026