Virginia "Ginger" Smith

Virginia "Ginger" Smith, 49, of Dyersburg Tennessee, died on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Born Friday, January 9, 1976, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, she was the daughter of George Goldsby, Jr. and the late Sarah Bruce Goldsby.

Ginger was a devoted wife, loving mother, and faithful servant whose life was marked by dedication, warmth, and a deep love for her family and students.

Ginger earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and later received her Master's degree from Union University. She devoted many years to education, teaching middle school students in Crockett County, Caruthersville, and Dyersburg, including at Christ Classical Academy. She was passionate about learning and took great pride in guiding and encouraging the students placed in her care.

Of all her accomplishments, the role Ginger cherished most was that of a stay-at-home mother to her beloved son, Caleb. Being his mom was her greatest joy, and she adored him beyond measure, pouring her heart into nurturing, supporting, and loving him every day.

Ginger loved to travel and created many treasured memories with her family along the way. Some of her favorite destinations included Alaska, the Caribbean, and Italy-places that reflected her sense of adventure and appreciation for beauty and new experiences. At home, she enjoyed relaxing with movies, especially comedies and family films, which brought her laughter and enjoyment.

A woman of strong faith, Ginger was a dedicated member of Newbern Methodist Church.

Funeral services for Ginger will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Rev. Tyler Neeley. Interment will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery in Kenton, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Robert "Kevin" Smith of Dyersburg, Tennessee; one son, Caleb Smith of Dyersburg, Tennessee; her father, George Goldsby, Jr. of Dyersburg, Tennessee; two brothers, George "Tres" Goldsby, III (Brittney) of Alamo, Tennessee and Andrew "Drew" Goldsby (Miranda) of Jackson, Tennessee; her cousin, who she considered as a sister, Jenny Watts (Dennis) from Flora, Mississippi and her beloved dog, Trooper..

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Bruce Goldsby.

Honoring Ginger as pallbearers will be Will Dougan, Brian Cross, George Goldsby, Jonathan Watts, Samuel Watts and Benjamin Watts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the El Ayudante mission work in Nicaragua in her honor.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Virginia "Ginger" Goldsby.