Virginia Gardner Wilson

Virginia (Ginny) Gardner Wilson, 65, of Sherwood, died August 15, 2017, following a brief illness. Born December 5, 1951, in Hope, AR, she was a daughter of Virginia O'Neal Gardner and the late John B. Gardner, Jr. A graduate of Hope High School in 1969, Ginny attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and graduated in 1973 as one of only three women with a degree in Banking and Finance. Following graduation from the U of A, Ginny moved to Dallas where she was employed in banking for several years. She later worked for Ross Perot at Electronic Data Systems (EDS). She moved back to Hope to work for the family business, Hope Brick Works. She was a lobbyist for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. Ginny was a member of First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock where she served on various committees. As a member of United Methodist Women, she served as secretary on the Leadership Team. Having an enjoyment of art, Ginny served as a docent at the Arkansas Arts Center. Her other interests were animals, gardening, bridge, Arkansas Razorback football, and fashion. Ginny is survived by her mother, Virginia O'Neal Gardner of Little Rock; a daughter, Allison Wilson of Stillwater, Okla.; a son, Zachary Wilson of Little Rock; a brother John B. Gardner, III of Little Rock; an uncle, Jerry O'Neal of Hope; and Zachary David Wilson of Little Rock, the father of Allison and Zachary. A Celebration of Life service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, August 18, at North Little Rock First United Methodist Church, 6701 JFK Boulevard with the Rev. Brent Higdem officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior at 10 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Arkansas Arts Center, any humane society, or United Methodist Women, NLR FUMC. Services are under the direction of Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home, Sherwood, Ark. For online guestbook, www.smithfamilycare.com.