Virginia L. D'Amato

Virginia Lee D'Amato, age 81, of Longs, S.C., formerly of Prince George, Va., passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, in the loving care of her family and special friends of the Autumn Care Nursing and Rehab Center of Shallotte, N.C.

She was born on Sept. 25, 1927, in Hopewell, Va. She graduated from Carson High School in 1944 and attended Smithdeal Massey Business College. She met her husband, Tony, in 1948 and married him 20 days later. As the proud wife of an Army career soldier, she followed the love of her life to various military installations abroad and stateside with their three daughters in tow.

Her travels led to a career with the U.S. Civil Service and spans a little over four decades. "Ginny," as she was known to colleagues, family and friends, was a dedicated civilian personnel employee. Duty assignments in Japan, Germany, Italy and Virginia included administrative clerk, secretary to civilian personnel officers; secretary to the commander of the 66th Military Intelligence Group; chief of the administrative section, Detachment D, 766th Military Intelligence Detachment; secretary to the dean, School of Acquisition Management; and management analyst. Over the course of her career, she received numerous awards and letters of commendation for her meritorious service and exemplary performance of duty. She retired from the Army Logistics Management Center at Fort Lee, Va., in 2000.

She was actively involved in many clubs and charitable organizations including the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Army Community Services and the NCO Wives' Club. Ginny's generous and compassionate nature extended from her heart to others and she was always willing to reach out to those in need to offer friendship, support and understanding.

Ginny will always be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit and devotion to family. She loved reading, working on the computer, crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, and listening to the "tunes" of Rod Stewart, Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson. As her family and friends will attest, she had great enthusiasm and a passion for life. She will be sorely missed by those whose lives she touched. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Anthony D'Amato, and her parents, Clarence Eugene Dise and Mamie Lee Dise.

She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Lee Fair (Robert Fair) of Sandusky, Ohio, Deborah Kaye Schnoor (Ron Schnoor) of Ocean Springs, Miss., Toni Lynn D'Amato-Teed of Longs, S.C.; her brother, Michael Dise (Jenny Dise) of Carson, Va.; her sister-in-law, Josephine Avella of Ozone Park, N.Y.; six grandchildren, Jessica Howard of Denver, Alisha Heath (Rob Heath) of Ramsey, Minn., Katie Howard of St. Paul, Minn., Ryan Schnoor (Melissa Schnoor) of Pascagoula, Miss., Zachary Schnoor of Ocean Springs, Miss., Garrett Anthony Teed of Longs, S.C.; six great-grandchildren; and best friend, Pam Ludwig, of Chester, Va.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful people at Autumn Care for their dedication and the personal attention given to Ginny. We are eternally grateful for the love and kindness shown to her and her family.

Private memorial and interment services, with family and close friends, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington, D.C., at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myrtlebeachonline.net. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or to the contributor's favorite charity.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.