Obituary of Virginia "Giny" Ferguson Wood

Virginia “Giny” Ferguson Wood passed away peacefully Monday April 3, 2023, surrounded by family.

Giny was born in southeastern Alamance County, North Carolina. Her family moved to Burlington when she was still very young, and then to Greensboro when she was a teenager. She attended Bessemer High School where she met William “Bill” Wood, and they began dating. Following high school she attended the North Carolina Baptist School of Nursing (now Wake Forest). After graduating from nursing school Giny and Bill were married and moved to Chapel Hill where Bill was attending UNC Medical School.

Giny was one of the first twelve nurses hired when NC Memorial Hospital opened in 1952. She helped establish the OB/GYN unit and several other units.  Following Bill’s graduation from medical school , and his residency, Bill began his active duty service with the Navy. Bill and Giny moved the growing family to the Washington, DC area, and to the New London, Connecticut area. Giny established homes in each location, and worked hard to provide an environment that nurtured all four of her sons. Following Bill’s active duty years, Giny and Bill moved back to Chapel Hill. She resumed her nursing career with NC Memorial Hospital. Giny and Bill were very active members of University Presbyterian Church, and also became involved in various service organizations.

Beyond her professional life, Giny loved to travel, and to explore different cultures and cuisines. She loved cooking, music, gardening, and the many wild birds that flocked to the bird feeders that surrounded their homes. She was a caring devoted mother and encouraged her sons to grow and develop their own interests. 

Giny was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Dr. William “Bill” Wood, Sr., and her eldest son William “Chip” Wood, Jr.   She is survived by three sons; Timothy and his wife Joan; Jonathan and his wife Bonnie; and Scott Wood. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

A grave side service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday April 21, 2023, at Guilford Memorial Park at 6000 Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday April 22, 2023, at University Presbyterian Church at 209 E. Franklin St. Chapel Hill, NC.

 In Lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

 Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.