Virginia Ruth Gillis

Virginia Ruth Gillis, affectionately known as "Ginny," was born on May 23, 1947, in Nacogdoches, Texas to the late Drew Edwin White and Jewel Lois Anderson. She passed away on August 20, 2025, in Henderson, Texas, leaving behind a legacy marked by her devotion to faith, family, and community.

Ginny found true joy in creating a warm and welcoming home which she loved sharing with her family and friends. She truly enjoyed opening her home to others for birthdays, Christmas parties, church socials, baby showers, and family get togethers---the more, the merrier! She had everything planned and prepared perfectly and decorated for each special event. She was known for her culinary skills, especially her affinity for baking pies—a craft she lovingly regarded as a lost art. She would frequently surprise loved ones with one of her sweet treats, a card, or words of encouragement. Her kitchen was not just a place for cooking, but a gathering spot where she created lasting memories with her loved ones.

Ginny was a cherished member of Laird Hill Baptist Church. She faithfully served the Lord and others through her role as a deacon’s wife, and by her active volunteering on church committees and serving as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher at Crims Chapel Baptist Church, Highland Park Baptist Church, and Forest Home Baptist Churches.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Regina Lee Ward and husband Joe, and Carol Annette Chambless and husband James. Her cherished grandchildren include Paige Bing and husband Rich, Blake Chambless and wife Lauren, Taylor Swafford and husband Kyle, and Trent Ward and wife Nichole. Ginny took great joy in her role as “memaw”, with her heart warmed by the laughter of her great-grandchildren: Kaden Morrison, Kohen Bing, Kambrie Chambless, Hallie Chambless, Elise Swafford, Clay Swafford, and Joseph Swafford. Ginny is also survived by her half-siblings Ann Green and Jimmy White and many nieces and nephews.

Ginny was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Linvel Gillis, with whom she shared 62 wonderful years! She was also preceded in death by her brother Billy Edwin White and wife Joyce, sister Eva Lois White, sister Edna Faye Smith and husband Donald, brother John Alfred White, and half-sister Gail Byrd.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 5:00 until 7:00 in the evening at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. A funeral service in honor of Ginny will take place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Laird Hill Baptist Church, followed by her interment at Crims Chapel Cemetery.

Virginia Ruth Gillis, Ginny, will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her, as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and unwavering spirit.