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Virginia "Ginger" Riddle
1952 - 2025
BORN
1952
DIED
2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Virginia Riddle Obituary
Virginia "Ginger" Riddle
June 19, 1952 - September 4, 2025
Columbia, South Carolina - Virginia ("Ginger") Pender Riddle, a devoted educator, lifelong learner, and passionate Gamecock fan, passed away on Thursday, September 4th at the age of 73 after a valiant battle against cancer and associated complications.
Born on June 19, 1952 in Columbia, S.C., Ginger dedicated her life to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher, Curriculum Resource Teacher and ultimately Early Childhood Education Coordinator for Richland School District One. Following her more than 30-year tenure with Richland One, Ginger became an assistant professor in the Education Department at Newberry College, completing her transition from teaching children to training future teachers, a post which brought her great joy given her many family connections to the town and college. Known for her unwavering patience, gentle guidance, and contagious enthusiasm, she made an indelible mark on generations of students, colleagues, and the broader school community.
Education was not just her profession - it was her calling. She believed every child had potential, and she worked tirelessly to help them find confidence, curiosity, and delight in learning. Her classroom was a warm and welcoming space, filled with books, creativity, and the occasional garnet and black decoration in honor of her beloved South Carolina Gamecocks.
A proud alumna and loyal supporter of the University of South Carolina, Ginger rarely missed a game - whether cheering from the stands in her younger years, glued to her T.V. or radio later in life, or donning school colors for any occasion. Her love for Gamecock athletics and all that she held dear – friends and institutions (including Dreher High School) - was more than fandom; it was a thread woven deeply into her identity.
Outside of academia, Ginger loved animals and shared her heart with a number of very special furry family members over the years. She enjoyed DIY projects, was an excellent cook, a renowned storyteller and a partaker in occasional mischief. Ginger was captivated by the history of people and had done extensive research of her family lineage. She was a devoted daughter, niece, sister, aunt, and friend, whose wisdom and compassion touched countless lives.
She is survived by two nieces, Eliza Pender Foster (JR) of Greenville, S.C., and Margaret Ellen Pender of Columbia, S.C.; and sister-in-law Faye James Pender; as well as her extended family which included special friends, students, colleagues, and fellow Gamecock faithful. She was preceded in death by her brother Edward L. Pender, Jr.; and her parents Kathryn S. Pender and Edward L. Pender, Sr.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:30 on Sunday, October 5th at Rosemont Cemetery, 2400 College St., Newberry, S.C. The family will greet friends following a graveside service. In honor of her love of education, the family asks that donations be made to the Carolina Teacher Induction Program at the University of South Carolina or to the Education Department at Newberry College in lieu of flowers.
Her legacy of generosity, curiosity, and community building lives on in every life she touched and there are many.
Memories and messages may be left on her tribute page.
Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Riddle family.
June 19, 1952 - September 4, 2025
Columbia, South Carolina - Virginia ("Ginger") Pender Riddle, a devoted educator, lifelong learner, and passionate Gamecock fan, passed away on Thursday, September 4th at the age of 73 after a valiant battle against cancer and associated complications.
Born on June 19, 1952 in Columbia, S.C., Ginger dedicated her life to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher, Curriculum Resource Teacher and ultimately Early Childhood Education Coordinator for Richland School District One. Following her more than 30-year tenure with Richland One, Ginger became an assistant professor in the Education Department at Newberry College, completing her transition from teaching children to training future teachers, a post which brought her great joy given her many family connections to the town and college. Known for her unwavering patience, gentle guidance, and contagious enthusiasm, she made an indelible mark on generations of students, colleagues, and the broader school community.
Education was not just her profession - it was her calling. She believed every child had potential, and she worked tirelessly to help them find confidence, curiosity, and delight in learning. Her classroom was a warm and welcoming space, filled with books, creativity, and the occasional garnet and black decoration in honor of her beloved South Carolina Gamecocks.
A proud alumna and loyal supporter of the University of South Carolina, Ginger rarely missed a game - whether cheering from the stands in her younger years, glued to her T.V. or radio later in life, or donning school colors for any occasion. Her love for Gamecock athletics and all that she held dear – friends and institutions (including Dreher High School) - was more than fandom; it was a thread woven deeply into her identity.
Outside of academia, Ginger loved animals and shared her heart with a number of very special furry family members over the years. She enjoyed DIY projects, was an excellent cook, a renowned storyteller and a partaker in occasional mischief. Ginger was captivated by the history of people and had done extensive research of her family lineage. She was a devoted daughter, niece, sister, aunt, and friend, whose wisdom and compassion touched countless lives.
She is survived by two nieces, Eliza Pender Foster (JR) of Greenville, S.C., and Margaret Ellen Pender of Columbia, S.C.; and sister-in-law Faye James Pender; as well as her extended family which included special friends, students, colleagues, and fellow Gamecock faithful. She was preceded in death by her brother Edward L. Pender, Jr.; and her parents Kathryn S. Pender and Edward L. Pender, Sr.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:30 on Sunday, October 5th at Rosemont Cemetery, 2400 College St., Newberry, S.C. The family will greet friends following a graveside service. In honor of her love of education, the family asks that donations be made to the Carolina Teacher Induction Program at the University of South Carolina or to the Education Department at Newberry College in lieu of flowers.
Her legacy of generosity, curiosity, and community building lives on in every life she touched and there are many.
Memories and messages may be left on her tribute page.
Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Riddle family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The State from Sep. 19 to Sep. 22, 2025.
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