Virginia “Ginny” Murphy Short of Seaford, surrounded by her family at home was peacefully called by the Lord and entered the gates of heaven Friday, May 6, 2022.
Ginny was born in Reliance, Md. on Jan. 30, 1934 to the late Everett “Pat” Murphy and Elizabeth Bonner Murphy. She was the oldest of six children. She was a graduate of Federalsburg High School class of 1952.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Edward Booze Short in 2007, as well as three brothers Robert, Leonard and Johnson Murphy, and one sister, Margaret Williamson.
Ginny was a lifetime member of Gethsemane United Methodist Church in Reliance, and served in many areas of the ministry. She took pride in being the church historian and spent many hours compiling information and pictures into several books of all the church’s activities and accomplishments. Ginny was involved in the UMW, as well as helping to coordinate dinners and attending Bible study groups to name a few of the many activities. One of the largest fundraisers for the UMW is the homemade Easter eggs. She was the dipper “specialist” and took her job very seriously.
Ginny and Ed were charter members of the Delaware Campers Association. They traveled every chance they could, and it didn’t have to be far. The biggest trip they made was from the East coast to the West coast. Many campfires were enjoyed with potluck dinners, and the fellowship of many friends and family. Their feathered friends, Max and Mr. Gray would travel with them leaving many entertained with Mr. Gray’s talking.
Before becoming a full time homemaker, Ginny worked at Woolworths, as well as DuPont. She went knocking door to door for the Census Bureau, and campaigned for United Way of Sussex County for 20 years. She kept involved with the community with 4-H as the food project leader for 10 years, and often sat for the boards for upcoming graduating cosmetology students. She enjoyed family genealogy as well as documenting information from tombstones for the State Archives.
Her passion for the past 60+ years was giving her time to assist those in need throughout the year, but especially at Christmas through the Seaford Blades Associated Charities. She first volunteered with the organization working with her mother. Once married, Ginny and Ed worked side by side helping those who fell upon a hardship. She dedicated her life to this organization which started over 80 years ago. Many sacrifices were made by Ginny and Ed to help bring joy to those less fortunate. One of her proudest moments was to see the next generation volunteer beside her. Her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and daughter-in-law worked with her at Christmas helping to shop, pack and even deliver toys and food to those in the community. She was so proud.
Ginny received several awards, and was recognized by many civic organizations for her community service; the city of Seaford, the Governor and even the President of the United States when she received the “Points of Light” honor from George Bush in 1983. In 2008, the Seaford Christmas parade committee selected Ginny to be the Grand Marshal. The committee said she was a true example of what Christmas represents.
Ginny is survived by her two sons and their wives, Edward, Jr. and Sheri Short of Laurel and Steve and Denise Short of Millsboro; a daughter and her husband, Susan and Samuel Hastings of Seaford; four grandchildren, Bruce Hastings, Jennifer Hastings, Sarah Ramirez and her husband Tommy all of Seaford, and Bethany Short of Pennsylvania; three great-grandchildren, Shianna and Kelsey Nunemann of Seaford, Tommy Nunemann and his wife Tristin of Fort Meade; three great-great-grandchildren, Asher, Arya and Alex Nunemann; one brother, William Murphy of Seaford; a dear friend Joyce Bedard of Seaford; and a sister-in-law Betty Kowitski of Cambridge as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Janet Jogee for the excellent care given to Ginny. Janet loved her as if she was family and even called her mom-mom.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 10 at the Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford. Burial was at the East New Market Cemetery, East New Market, MD.
The family suggests donations may be made to Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 2701 Woodland Ferry Road, Seaford, DE 19973.