Virginia M. “Ginny” Guessford
Virginia M. “Ginny” Guessford, age 83, of Odessa, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home during the early morning hours of Friday, March 26, 2021.
She was primarily a homemaker, raising her 4 children, but worked for a time at the Bank of Delaware at the Odessa branch. Ginny was also a past president and lifetime member of the Odessa Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and active within other county and state ladies auxiliary associations. In addition, she was a longtime member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Ginny was happiest when she could do for others. She was the kind of person who was always giving of herself, never asking for anything in return. From her family, friends, neighbors, the church, the fire hall, or even a stranger, she would give her time, talents, efforts and prayers.
Over the years, she had lent those talents to and had been involved with the PTA, Band Boosters, MYF, various church committees and functions, fire company and auxiliary committees and functions, community activities and family gatherings. It didn’t matter the type of help that was needed; Ginny was always there to lend a hand. From cooking, cleaning, yard work, roofing work, digging dirt, hauling hay or any other type of effort you can imagine, she would happily perform the task at hand.
Ginny always remembered and acknowledged birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions with cards and phone calls. Baking cakes, delivering Christmas cookies and fudge for the whole neighborhood each year brought her joy. Words could never truly convey to someone who didn’t know Ginny, and all of the wonderful gifts she gave to so many over her 83 years.
She had a simple wish in death: no fanfare, no viewing, no funeral, to be cremated and for her daughters, son, family and friends to remember the happy times. Ginny’s other wish was to share this excerpt from an anonymous quote: “Please don’t be sad-remember me rather than miss me. Remember, I’m just around the corner and will always be with all of you. You have to know that God will certainly take care of me. Live a good life.”
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Terri Moore and siblings, Jean Dale and Sammy McClain. Ginny is survived by her husband of 63 years, Arthur I. Guessford; children, Sandy Bolyard (Don), Ralph Guessford, and Jackie McDermott (Jack II); siblings, Jimmy McClain, Joan Swackhammer and Dottie Chambers; 13 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A service was held at her bedside, interment will be held privately.
If you wish to honor Ginny’s legacy, live by the example she set. If you wish to consider a memorial donation, the following organizations we very close to Ginny’s heart: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 406 Main Street, Odessa, DE 19730 or Friendship United Methodist Church, Flemings Landing, 169 Paddock Road, Townsend, DE 19734 or the Odessa Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 81, Odessa, DE 19730.
Laura Baker
I love you so much, Mommom. I know you’re up there with the Lord and with Terri, my mother and your daughter. I will always remember your kind heart and servant’s attitude. Love, Laura
Paul and Lois Loder
With Deepest Sympathy and God’s Blessings to Ginny’s Family and Friends. Ginny was one of the Kindest and Caring people you would know and a Friend to All. She truly was an Angel on Earth….. May she rest in Peace always……
Heather Sutton
Rest in Peace Ginny. If anyone deserves rest it’s Ginny. She was tireless and a constant fixture at St Pauls where I first met her. Ron, Bradley, Nate and I are full of respect for her and will miss her face, her guidance, her birthday calls and her presence. Our condolences and love to the family.
Kathleen Wilson
McDermott family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother (and grandmother) left quite a legacy as her beautiful obituary has shown. May her memory be a blessing.
Janet Rowley
Dearest family,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Ginny was an example and a rock I could always count on. I love her and all she stood for. Please accept my deepest sympathies. She will always live on in our hearts and memories.
Love and hugs to you,
Janet Rowley
Susie Turner
Ginny wasn’t just a friend to many, she was a fine lady. A soldier of God, one to do because things needed doing, because she had love in her heart, because she wanted all ppl to have the church in their family, she supported us as firemen in the middle of the night, w her one of a kind BBQ, soup, warm ham & cheese sandwiches, and her smile the warmed so many of us, so many of our children passed through her loving arms. If there is a special place for souls like her’s I know for certain, she has a place at the table. I loved her, my whole family has.
Denys Demczak
Jackie and Family. I’m so sorry hearing the passing of a wonderful and beautiful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Bob and Gay Gates
Ginny, your kindness and energy always inspired us. When we moved away your birthday phone calls always gave us a smile that St Paul’s and you were thinking of us. Heaven gained a special angel.
Barbara Marsh
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Ginny through St Paul’s church. What a wonderful person and go getter! She will be missed.
Barbara Moore
To Ike and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. Ginny was always ready to lend a hand with what needed to be done (to show a new member where things were in the kitchen at St. Paul’s) and making you feel welcome with her beautiful smile. Sam and I always knew who our first caller was on our birthdays and anniversary! I will remember her always. God Bless
Donna M. Sharp
So sorry for the loss of this person. God Bless All!!
B Frank Fitzwater
Ike and family our prayers are with you and your Family may you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. 🙏🙏🙏
Al & Janet Grimminger
Very sorry for your passing. We didn’t think it was your time to go, but our Lord thought it was time, so he took you home.
David Pearl
Dear Guessford Family,
When we moved to Odessa in 1976 Ginny was one of the first people we met and she remained a friend for the next 45 years. She avoided the limelight,was a tireless worker and remembered our birthdays and anniversaries with an early morning telephone call. She was a “one off a kind lady” who will live in our hearts forever.
Sincerely,
David Pearl
George Hugh
I still remember cleaning vegetables with Ginny and Ralph on the back steps in Odessa. Somehow that wasn’t as onerous as cleaning vegetables for my family. Thank you for the memories.
Ellen H Cole
I grew up next door! I had the pleasure of helping Ginny and Helen George feed the Ruritans and Lions Club at St. Paul’s for years. My reward was taking home THE BEST chicken and slipperies! Growing up we shared the neighborhood baseball field. Not sure who owned the mimosa tree but that was our home base. Ginny, I loved you dearly and every time I eat lima beans I think of you! (She made us shuck bushel baskets of lima beans, lol) . Big hugs to the family. Love, Ellen (Hugh) Cole
John and Elayne Guy
So sorry for you loss. Ginny was an amazing person. So caring. Knew her through ST. Paul”s
John and Elayne Guy
Barbara Lynn Manlove
Ginny, was one of a kind, she was a pillar at St. Paul’s and much loved. She would bring me brownies in a baggy and stick them in my purse at Adult Studies. Also shared her coleslaw when she had leftovers from firehouse dinners. I loved her. She will be missed. Barbara Lynn Manlove
June Glass
Ginny was a special “one of a kind” lady. She enriched my life by knowing her. I always felt Ginny was “in charge” in a positive way, just by her presence. She was and is a wonderful Christian saint! May God bless all who love her.
Charlotte and Ronnie Miller
There are not enough words to describe Ginny. She was the most modest person I have known. If I were to describe the meaning of a servant’s heart, I could do it in one word, Ginny. She taught me how to make the best cole slaw and every time I make it, I will think of her lovingly.
REBECCA pernol
sorry for your loss
Kennard Wiggins
Ike and family. I was so sorry to hear the sad news of Ginny’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
Randy Roberts
Ike and family, sending prayers of peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Pearl Diehl
With deepest sympathy to the family. One of the kindest women I’ve know. I’m sure she is in heaven smiling down at you. She was kind to everyone and would do anything for anyone. God rest her soul.
Pearl and Kenny
Becky
To the Families of Ginny so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers being sent.
Lauren Dale
I am lost for words, sorry for your loss, something triggered me to search some of my family members on facebook this morning from Delaware to reconnect, and I came across this.. I am Gregs daughter, Jean Dale McClains granddaughter, all I can say is she was an amazing woman and she will be missed.I will never forget the Summers my brother Greg and I spent with her and Uncle Ike as kids, with happy moments with all the cousins. RIP Aunt Ginny, sweet lady, love Lauren and Gregory Jr, and Gregory Sr. Xo
Bonnie Carden
So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Guessford was a kind and wonderful lady. Prayers for your family.
Mary Lou & Jim Warwick
What a tremendous loss for her family, community and her church. Ginny’s servants heart and care for others were humbling and will have a tremendous impact for generations to come. I have no doubt her smile made heaven brighter upon hearing the words, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Our sincerest sympathy.
Deborah Whittington
I knew Ginny thru the Ladies Auxiliary and St. Paul Church. She taught me so much about cooking for Lions Club, making Easter eggs, making Chicken Salad and Vegetable Soup for Christmas In Odessa, sharing fellowship and being a great friend. You were a shining example of a great Lady. It was an honor to know you. Please know Ike you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dick and Debbie Whittington.
Ralph Guessford
Thanks to all of you for kind words and remembrances of my mother!
Angela Christian
Dear Ike, Jackie and family,
I’m sorry for your loss and would like to pass my condolence to you all. Ginny was a wonderful person. I met her at St. Paul’s 20 years ago and she was like a mother. I will remember her smile, greeting each other in the church pew, attending adult Sunday school, Finance committee meetings, St. Paul’s kitchen help.
Thank you Ginny for calling our family on our birthdays and anniversary. We will miss your early morning calls. You will be missed but we will always remember you as a faithful servant of God.
With Sympathy,
Linda Douty Brainard
I’ve known Ginny since my days living down the hill in Odessa. Ginny would always have a smile and a wink.
My family was so blessed to know Ginny & Ike two of the most giving and generous people. God Bless and Thank You.