Virginia O. "Ginny" Smith

Virginia Odela “Ginny” Smith, 77, of Weirton, WV, passed away on July 27, 2025.

Born on July 22, 1948, in Pennsboro, WV, Ginny was one of eight children born to the late Harry and Hattie Mae Cunningham Carr.
Ginny was known for her infectious spirit, her fierce independence, and her deep love for those around her. She spoke her mind with honesty and humor, and was beloved for being feisty, spunky, giving—and always fun to be around. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: playing 500 Rummy and her favorite marble game, Aggravation, shouting “BINGO!” with joy, and watching game shows on television.

After the passing of her husband, Austin Eugene Bassett, Ginny showed remarkable resilience and never slowed down. She dedicated her time to community service as a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Weirton Volunteer Fire Department Company One, and also shared her love of cooking by preparing meals for guests at the Star Lake Amphitheatre.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ginny was preceded in death by her brother, David Carr, and her sister, Anna Mae Starvaggi.

Ginny’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and generosity. She loves the Lord Jesus Christ with whom her faith and hope were in that carried her through life. She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Pamela Jo Kirkpatrick and her husband Lonnie, and Arietta M. Brown and her husband Christopher. Ginny also leaves behind her brother, Ernest Carr (Marsha); her sisters, Mary Ann Carr, Harriett Sturges (Robert), Betty Dye, and Peggy Sue Rice; and her six grandchildren: Brandon Bassett (Angie), Arietta Lynn Adams, Bella Mae Brown, Austin C. Brown, Jaden P. Brown, and Arietta H. Brown. Ginny’s legacy also continues through her six great-grandchildren: Annabel and Brandon Lee Bassett, Michael and Alivia Holt, Evalynn and Joseph Adams.

Family and friends will be received for visitation on Saturday, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV.

A celebration of Ginny’s life will immediately follow at 7:00 PM.

Her family would like to thank the third floor of the Weirton Geriatric Center and the Select Specialty Hospital in Weirton especially nurse Doug Aceto and nurse Jean Roush for all the care they provide to Ginny.

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