Virginia "Ginny" Darden

Virginia’s Life Story Virginia “Ginny” Darden was born September 12, 1946 to the late Andrew Hill and surviving Betty Mae Coates. She was the third oldest of six children (James (d), Christine, Glenn (d), Paulette (d), and Floyd Jr.). Virginia was educated in the Philadelphia School system. Virginia completed her high school degree from Simon Gratz High School. She then furthered her educational career by completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Temple University, as a dual major in Education and Communications. She became a Special Education teacher, and then furthered her career and retired as a High School Counselor. In addition to her love of education and mentoring youth, she thoroughly enjoyed the love of music. Prior to dedicating her life as an educator, she was intrigued by the art of Jazz and considered herself a Horticulturalist. “Music and Gardening keep be centered”, she would say. For creative pleasure, Virginia engaged in broadening her knowledge in different genres of music such as; classical, jazz, rhythm and blues, and Broadway musicals. Virginia enjoyed singing for pleasure and at many family gatherings. On June 12, 1978, Virginia married her wonderful love, Harold Darden a.k.a. “Bey”. Through their union they had two children, Michael a.k.a. “Mike” and Danielle a.k.a. “Dana”). Full names were only used when Virginia was serious or had to repeat herself! Virginia’s family was her everything, and she showed it in every gesture, mannerism, quirk, humor, and love. She supported her family as a dutiful wife, and Super-Mom through every milestone and event. Virginia would think nothing of being present at her children’s tennis practices or games 3-4 times a week, piano lessons weekly, piano recitals, plays, musical performances, poetry readings, girl scout meetings, volunteered as the Head Girl Scout Cookie Mom storing over 5000 boxes at the family house and hosting countless birthday parties. Virginia was a loving and giving spirit. Virginia was a firm believer of being present in her children’s lives by exposing them to traveling, providing guidance through their developmental journeys, reading, history, museums, spending hours at bookstores and libraries, the performing arts, music, and fostering creative development. Her infamous quote she would state frequently was, “You are my children and I can teach you all I can, however you are ultimately children of the universe and you must forge your own way”. Virginia not only devoted her spare time to loving her family, but also participated in many organizations geared towards the preservation of humanity and giving back. Some of the organizations Virginia has been affiliated with are as follows; American Federation of Teachers, American Association for Women Universities and Schools, St. Jude’s for Children, Equality Now, and Fellowship of Christian Universities and Schools. Virginia believed in participating in charity works through church gatherings such as the Strawberry Festival, Jazz Festivals, Chalice Bearer duties, Group Bible study, Awareness walks (Breast Cancer/AIDS), Church Readings of the Scriptures, and miscellaneous church activities. Virginia was baptized Episcopalian, however found beauty in all religions. Virginia also valued time spent with not only her family, charitable organizations, and church activities, but also with her good friends, Dianne, Geri, Caroline, Kathy and her sister, Christine. Virginia enjoyed participating in book groups, exercising, dinner parties, and trips to the Caribbean Islands and New York to enjoy performances at Carnegie Hall, and Broadway shows. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling and some of the places she had visited with family and friends were the following; California (favorite areas were San Francisco and Sonoma Valley Wine Country), Las Vegas, Florida, New York, North/South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, Maryland, Paris, Bahamas, St. Martins, Hawaii, China, Barcelona, Madrid, London, Germany and many others. Virginia valued the importance of the arts, fostering creativity and enjoying new experiences with family and friends. Virginia’s warm and kind spirit will forever be cherished and remembered. On March 20, 2021 God concluded Virginia’s work on earth. Her beautiful legacy will live on forever. Virginia leaves to cherish her fond memory…Her husband: Harold, Her children: Michael and Danielle, Her Sister: Christine, Brother: Floyd Jr. and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Relatives and Friends.