Virginia “Ginny” Kay Carey was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. She passed away peacefully at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City after valiantly battling cancer for 5 years.
Ginny was born May 5, 1948, in Flint MI to Violet Louise (DeForest) and Harry W. Moore. On November 5, 1966, she married Mercer “Bud” L. Carey and together they raised their son Leon A. Carey in East Jordan.
Ginny is survived by her husband, Bud Carey of East Jordan, son, Leon (Lisa) Carey of East Jordan, grandson, Matthew (Mandi) Carey of Boyne City, and brother, Ken (Kathy) Moore of Williamsburg. Ginny was greatly anticipating the birth of her first great-grandchild who is expected to arrive any day now to parents Matthew and Mandi Carey.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Harry and Louise Moore, brothers; Dennis and Cliff Moore, and granddaughter; Ashlee Marie Carey, who forever remains in our hearts as Angel Ashlee.
The guiding force in Ginny’s life was shaped by three strong pillars: Faith, Family, and Friends. These guideposts helped her to live a life that, while cut short, was one of JOY and completeness. She tried to live her life by treating those around her with love and kindness.
The landslide of support and memories from those whose lives Ginny touched is everywhere throughout our community and on social media. It is a true testimony to the power and impact that a caring and an engaged person can have on the lives of others. She believed it and she lived it. Although we know we will join her again in Heaven someday if we remember the kindness and love she showed everyone, and in turn, touch others with that same love and kindness, she will truly continue to live with us today!
Her loving husband, Bud, often said “if you ‘stub your toe’ or go through a hard place in life, you are likely to receive a note of encouragement from Gin”. Ginny was widely known for sending cards and notes, not only for special occasions but whenever she felt someone needed some cheer. She continued to send those notes, even while in pain, and just days before she left us.
In lieu of memorial contributions, Ginny requested that each of you contribute by showing random acts of kindness to those around you. And that you gather as often as possible with your treasured friends and family to simply enjoy an evening filled with music, laughter, and love. She often shared “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be in, for I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery, depends on our attitude and not on our circumstances! May the JOY that you give to others, be the Joy that comes back to you today.”
Ginny was blessed with two church families and shared her musical talents for many years at both the Lighthouse Missionary Church in East Jordan and the Barnard Methodist Church in Charlevoix. She served in many organizations to support the community she loved. A few include: The Little League Auxiliary, United Way of East Jordan and she had perfect attendance, for 20 plus years, with the East Jordan Lioness Club. She was awarded the East Jordan Citizen of the Year in 2002, was elected president of the East Jordan Business & Professional Women’s Club in 1980-81 and was named Woman of the Year in 1979.
Past employment included the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce, East Jordan Cooperative Co., W.A. Porter Contractor, and Northwestern State Bank. She owned, with her husband Bud, Carey’s Corner Market, IGA, in East Jordan. She later retired as Director of the East Jordan Housing Commission.
A memorial service is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2020, at the Lighthouse Missionary Church located at 7824 Rogers Rd. East Jordan, MI with Pastor Bart Adams and Pastor Craig Pahl officiating. We invite you to join the family following the service for a luncheon and time of sharing.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
43 comments on “Virginia K. Carey”
Much love to each of you as you weather this time of separation. We are grateful to have had Aunt Ginny in our lives.
God has gained a beautiful and amazing angel. Fly free of pain. Dancing in the street of gold with Jesus and your loved ones in heaven.You will be missed dearly my friend.
So sorry to hear this. Your mom was a great lady who I loved to see every time she came to Grandvue. Louise was a resident of mine at Grandvue and I loved seeing her and hearing her sing and play the piano. May she RIP. I will always remember her.
Such a bright light can never be extinguished❤️🌹
A lovey lady who will be missed by many.
Sending thoughts and prayers to her family.
Dear Bud and family, We are so sorry to hear of Ginny’s passing. She was a beautiful soul and shining light in the community. Prayers and Gods peace for you all.
Mike & Marilyn Pienta
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Ginny! We worked at nwsb….for a long time together and spent much of our time representing the bank! We became close friends with life time trials and tribulations!!! My very best to you bud and it family group. Know that I will be thinking of you all!!!!
Ginny was a ray of sunshine and joy all her life. I have known her since we were in school. She could always make you smile because her smile was so big and warm. Her music was wonderful too.
I was a recipient of one of those beautiful cards of encouragement and prayers as she was fighting for her life just a week ago. I can’t count the number of cards I recieved from her. Her favorite sentiment was JOY! JOY is what she showed for the live of her family, fir the love of God and for life in general. She will be the most inspirational lady I have ever had the priveledge to know. I am sure she is experience JOY to the utmost as she rejoices with God and her beloved angel Ashlee.
So sorry for your loss. Ginny was one of a kind.
My most deep condolences to all of Ginny’s family. I remember this beautiful lady from my early years growing up in East Jordan. There was
always the smile she gave when I was home and we ran into each other. She will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her.
God bless you all.
I was one of those people that Ginny sent cards, letters, Poetry or a phone call. I have never seen her without her smile and I have never heard a harsh word come from her mouth. She was such an inspiration to me, always giving me support through my own struggles, and not even giving herself a second thought. I was lucky to have had so many years with her, us being cousins was a plus for me. She was certainly an Angel here on earth, and now that she is in Heaven she has her wings. Ginny I’m going to miss you so much, and someday we will all be together again.
A great addition to heaven but a huge loss for family, friends and her community. Her smiling face and beautiful smile will be missed by any lucky enough to have known her.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a great woman and I will deeply miss her.
Ginny was always just the nicest lady. She made sure to say hello every time I saw her. It felt like she genuinely cared when she asked you how are you. Comfort to the family . What a beautiful legacy she has left.
From the time we were truly children she was a friend and inspiration!
Bud, if you need to talk or whatever, feel free.
To know Ginny was to love her!! She shared her love and JOY with all who knew her! Love, JOY, and kindness radiated from her. I am privileged and blessed to have been her friend since kindergarten ❤ I like to refer to her as the First Lady of East Jordan and surrounding communities!! Always a Blessing to others 💖. My sincere condolences to Bud, Leon, Lisa, Matt, Mandi, Ken and Kathy. May God Bless you all with strength, comfort and peace during this very difficult time. Fly high my precious friend ❤, sing with the angels in Heaven, you definitely earned your wings! You will be so missed by all who knew you. We rejoice in knowing that you are no longer suffering in the pain you endured here on earth. Love you Ginny!!!😘❣
I have always tried to be like my role model Ginny! Every time I would see her, she brightened my day! I’m so sad that I won’t be able to come say my goodbyes, because I’m in Florida, as a first time snowbird. I talked to Ginny about a month ago in Hobby Lobby, and even though she wasn’t going to be able to go to Florida this winter, she was so happy for me! Ginny, I’m going to spread your kindness down here for you and in your memory! You rest high on that mountain! I will always love you! Kathy
Bud and family,
My heart weeps for you and the loss of your heart. I thank God that this separation is only temporary as you both are children of God. If ever you need anything, please call on us to assist. If it’s in my power, it will be done.
Ginny was always so kind. The first time I met her was when she brought a plate of cookies to welcome me to the neighborhood. She called it neighboring. The world needed more people neighboring she said. She was right.
God bless you and yours.
Bud, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
She is a candle still burning in so many lives. When I received a ‘pick me up card’ from her, it truly did pick me up. Beautiful lady. Rest in Peace, beautiful ♥️
So sorry to hear the loss of this beautiful lady who always had a smile on her face and made you feel good about yourself. RIP, Ginney Carey, you are an inspiration to everyone.
Bud and Leon,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ginny was so full of life and love. Her death will leave a huge void in your lives.
Hopefully remembering her positive attitude, hope for tomorrow, and her radiant smile, will be of great support in the days to come.
Ginny was truly one in a million.
Here’s my “note” to Ginny,
You were an Angel down here and now an Angel up there. Dazzle everyone with your caring and your smile. We’ll stay in touch!
Sue
I too, was one to get some notes from Ginny that were so sweet matching her beautiful personality. She was such a caring and supportive person. I don’t believe I ever saw Ginny without a smile on her face or makeup and her hair out of place either for that matter, not that that’s an issue, that was just Ginny at her best. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Now she is with our Lord and without pain and her smile will be as she looks at his face and he looks back at her and smiles back and tell her she’s home. My prayers are that her family finds peace and comfort knowing that God is with them during this time of grieving and will give them peace if they look up to him. My thoughts and prayers are with them ❤️🌹🙏
Ginny was a huge part of our family and will be missed dearly. Always putting others first, she helped me with my own fight of cancer. Rest peacefully dear soul
Ginny always would send our Dad a Veteran’s Day card addressed to Sgt. Gee, so very heartwarming and thoughtful of her. We are also remembering her wonderful and gentle soul, may she rest in eternal peace.
Our sincere condolences to Bud and family.
Sgt. Dale A Gee, (retired)
and family.
Ginny was one-of-a-kind. She was such a dear, sincere, kind lady. I loved her instant smile and her genuine concern for what was going on in your life. I loved her notes with her cheerful handwriting. She will be truly missed.
RIP, MY FRIEND. I too was a Recipient of her many notes. She was such a caring person. God won’t ask what you owned. God will say say “ HOW WELL DID YOU LOVE”. My friend, you Loved Well.😇🙏
Bud, Leon and Carey and Moore family, I am so sorry to hear about Ginny’s passing. She was an exceptional person, always caring and loving, always a smile on her face and kind words of encouragement in any situation. I know that she will be truly missed by all her have known and loved her. God be with you all at this time. He truly gained an ANGEL when he called Ginny home.
Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. Ginny was a very caring and giving lady. We will all miss her beautiful smile (she always had a smile) even in her times of pain. I was blessed to be her cousin. God Bless all of our family. Some day we’ll be together again. Until then, RIP dear cousin.
Ginny was a special sister in the Lord. We always enjoyed singing praises to God with her at the piano. Most of all she loved and encouraged our family. May she receive many rewards in heaven!
I cannot express how much i appreciate the cards she sent me, her visits when i was so ill. Her singing at Grandview. Mary Braman. I also want to share how much I the kindness she showed my mother appreciated . Diane
My condolences to Jenny’s family.
I will miss her rare beauty,for she was not only beautiful outside, but inside where it matters.
My deepest heart felt sympathy to Bud, Leon & Lisa, Matt & Mandi and all who loved her. May the love of God comfort you all.
Ginny is safe, pain free and perfect in the loving arms of our Lord. Amen
To a beautiful person inside and out, may you rest in peace! Our condelences and our thoughts are with you, the family! May time heal you!
We also were the blessed recipients of many encouraging notes. She was a cheerleader in our joys and a consolation in our grief. She was also hilarious — I’ve never laughed so hard at a card game!
Her foundation was Christ, and the ground beneath her feet was JOY! May we never forget that beautiful face, and more importantly, the faith she stood on. We can’t wait to see her again.
I am a better person for having Ginny in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sometimes it isn’t saying goodbye that’s hard because we know we’ll be together again; it’s learning to live without her. All I can say is, one day and sometimes, one minute at a time and prayer.
Dear Bud, Leon, and Family,
We have lost a bright, joyous light in Ginny’s passing. She was such a special woman.
Our Lord has welcomed her home, but she will always live in our hearts and memories. Love to your whole family and congratulations on your little bundle.
Ginny was such a Beautiful Angel of God.
She will be missed by so many and never forgotten. God is holding her now. We’ll see her again someday. May He comfort you all and give you peace with your precious memories.
Ginny was a person who could light up a room! She brought joy to everyone who knew her! She is going be dearly missed. Hugs and prayers to the Family! Love You Guys!