Sarah Virginia Barton Jarrett

Sarah Virginia Barton Jarrett

July 7, 2024

Sarah Virginia Barton Jarrett (Ginny) passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Ginny was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and raised in Savannah, Georgia as the only daughter of William Jackson Barton and Kathryn Coogler Barton. She graduated from Savannah Christian Preparatory School and received a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Liberal Studies from Hollins University in Roanoke.

Fierce, determined, smart and competitive, Ginny learned the value of hard work and the meaning of "to thine own self be true," from her father, a trait Ginny reflected in all she did. Ginny was currently serving as Managing Director, Investments at Davenport & Co., a firm she joined in 2007 after spending 18 years at A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc.

While she expected her time in Roanoke to be brief, she ended up living 45 years in her adopted hometown, a community that has been sprinkled with her largesse and compassionate enthusiasm for much of her adult life.

She was an avid board member of many non-profits, and her devotion to the Association of Jr. Leagues International, DAR, Mill Mt. Theatre, Carilion Foundation as well as other organizations she served brought immense joy to her life. Her heart was all in for the Roanoke Women's Foundation (RWF), a women's collective giving group she co-founded in 2004. The RWF, on the cusp of its 20th anniversary, was her greatest achievement, and the over 75 organizations throughout the area, who have been awarded over $5.2 million in grants have been the fortunate beneficiaries of her dream.

Ginny found her true love when she married Shields Jarrett in 1997. She became a devoted caregiver and provided him with great comfort and care during his own illness.

Ginny was predeceased by her parents, William and Kathryn Barton, and her husband, Shields Jarrett. She is survived by her brother, William J. Barton, Jr., (Susan), and their three daughters, Catherine Lamar Barton, Julia Cornwall Barton, and Elise Flowers Barton, as well as her great niece, Della and great nephew, Wren. In addition, she is survived by sisters-in-law, Judi Jarrett Tingler (Alan), and Mary Jane Jarrett, her former husband, Phil Allison, and her most beloved beagle and constant companion, Woody. Ginny considered her dear and devoted friends, from around the country, to be her family, and she enjoyed and valued their loyal and lasting friendships.

A funeral celebrating the life of Ginny Barton Jarrett will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in downtown Roanoke on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. followed by a gathering in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, the consideration of donations to the Roanoke Women's Foundation Founder's Fund, c/o Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, 611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA 24011, was Ginny's wish and would be welcome.

Oakey's Funeral Service, Downtown Chapel

Roanoke, VA (540) 982-2100