Virginia Dawn "Ginger" Mitchell

Virginia Dawn “Ginger” Mitchell, 83, of Amarillo went to be with the Lord Saturday, November 2, 2019. Memorial graveside services will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors.

Virginia was born on Sept. 15, 1936 in Amarillo, Texas to John F. and Dimple P. Mitchell. She was the last of seven siblings. Virginia has one surviving foster brother, Ronnie Morgan of Arlington, Texas. She worked for the City of Amarillo as a keypunch operator while in high school. Through Virginia’s adult life, she worked in the Department of Defense for the Air Force as a computer programmer starting in Amarillo, soon moving to Colorado, where she moved up the ladder in various programming positions. She retired after a 32 year distinguished career on September 27, 1991.

The love of her life were her horses and the various barrel races she won in her earlier life. She rode with the Range Riders here in Amarillo and also trained horses. Virginia also enjoyed her dogs Poncho, Ty and Big Un, wishing to have Big Un’s ashes interred with her. She liked following the Denver Broncos ever since her move to Colorado. After her retirement in 1991, Virginia moved to Oklahoma for a few years, then to Albuquerque until 2016, when she made her final relocation back to Amarillo. Virginia learned how to play the piano and was able to play a song after hearing it a couple of times. She also composed music. “Aunt Ginger” was referred to by many of her nieces and nephews as their favorite aunt.

Virginia was pre-deceased by her parents John and Dimple Mitchell, brothers Joe B. and Francis and sisters Angelin, Selmah, Joan and Ernestine.