Virginia Lee Ford Tritt

Virginia Lee Ford Tritt (affectionately known as Ginger) was born in Hamilton, Ala. and passed away on March 7, 2023 in Jacksonville, Fla. while surrounded by her family. Ginger is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arnold Tritt, to whom she was married for nearly 60 years. She leaves behind her loving sons Arnie (Danielle), Lee-ford, and John (Heather); and her grandchildren Lillie Rose, Lee-Ford, Noah, and Nathanial.
Ginger’s parents were Virginia Louise Bolin Ford and Lee Ford. Her father passed away when she was three and her mother remarried to Hubert White, whom Ginger considered her father. Ginger also is survived by her sister Charlotte White Dean and preceded by her brother David White. Ginger considered the Van Cleve children and grandchildren as extended family and was “mother” to all of the neighborhood kids.
Ginger was the valedictorian of her high-school class. She later attended the University of Alabama where she received degrees in both history and journalism. She began her career in Birmingham, Ala., where she would meet her future husband, Arnold.
She moved to Jacksonville upon marrying and called it her home ever since. Ginger was a public-school teacher. She taught at Kirby Smith Junior High School and later was a substitute teacher at Fishweir Elementary School (where her sons attended, which lead to some awkward moments). Ginger was also the best home-room mother that the Duval County school system has ever seen.
She relished a hot cup of tea and was a voracious reader. To Arnold’s ire, Ginger often had overdue library books (and her sons are sure to find some in the coming weeks). Everyone knew that Ginger made the best chocolate milkshakes ever! She cherished her dog Lytle, adored rabbits, delighted in riding horses, loved watching butterflies in her butterfly garden, and gazing at the ocean. Ginger laughed often and smiled easily.
Ginger was a lady of God and full of grace (a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd). In addition, she enjoyed and was devoted to her bible study group. Ginger was a good and kind person who closed conversations with wishing a “happy day” to the person to whom she was talking. She believed in giving back to the community, including being president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Jax and teaching illiterate adults to read.
Ginger dearly and deeply loved her family. There was never a day that her sons felt unloved or unsupported. During Ginger’s decline in health, she remained steadfast in her faith, retained her positive attitude, and personified love while under the professional and loving care of outstanding caregivers, to whom we are eternally grateful.
Although Ginger’s family is deeply saddened by her passing, they take comfort in their many loving memories of her. There will be a graveside service celebrating the life of Ginger at the Evergreen Cemetery (Gate 5) on Thursday March 23rd.
Happy day!