Virginia Gennings

The family will receive friends at the home of Mrs. Doris (Sister) Brown Wyatt, 1221 Crooked Creek Rd., Watkinsville, GA.

Virginia Elaine Gennings was born in Watkinsville, Georgia to the late Gertrude Winfrey Brown and raised by her step-father, the late Burnell Brown. She attended Rosenwald High School, where she participated on the basketball team. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Virginia sang in the choir and was known to lead the song “He’s able to carry you through”.  In January of 1958, Virginia relocated to Buffalo, NY with her then husband the late Solomon Gennings. They were united for 20 years and from that union two children were born, Priscilla “Patt” McAlister and Salamanda “Mandy” Hawkins.

In the 1980s, Virginia joined Calvary Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY under the leadership of Rev. L.T. Boyce. Virginia became very involved with the community and politics in the city of Buffalo. She was extremely instrumental as a campaign manager, advocating on behalf of elected officials such as: New York State Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve, Council President George K. Arthur, and the late Masten District Councilman David A. Collins.

Virginia had a love and passion for music, sports, and writing. Known to be an avid writer, Virginia’s passion for writing allowed her to write articles for Buffalo’s Fine Print Newspaper.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and Burnell Brown, two brothers: Sgt. Ernest Winfrey, and Willie Rogers Brown.

Virginia leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Priscilla McAlister, and Salamanda Hawkins; six grandchildren, LaTina Johnson (Devon), Derrick James McAlister, Patrick McAlister (Princess), Damenica McAlister, Kenice Hawkins, Mandesia Roberts (Cedric); nine great-grandchildren, Morgan, Lauren, LeTajh, London, Patrick Jr., Queen, Larissa, Zuri, Cameron; five siblings, Bernice Weir, James Brown (Menita), Brenda Brown, Dennis Brown (Brenda), Doris Wyatt (Lee); sister-in-law, Margaret Brown;  fourteen nieces and nephews, Kenny, Fatina (Derrick), Kimberly, Draco (Catena), Marlando, Gertrice (Chris), Stelnesia, James Jr, Denetra, Dennis Jr, Dominique, Demonica, Margracious, and Isaac;  special cousin, Albert Jones; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her family, she leaves her extended family: Special friends, Ms. Geraldine McCray (Buffalo, NY), Ms. Gladys Clark (Hampton, VA), Ms. Olean Davis (Buffalo, NY), Ms. Rita Mills (Buffalo, NY), Ms. Emma Mae Hunter, and Ms. Mamie Bell McLain; God Sons, Neil Dobbins (Buffalo, NY), and Henry Hinesley; Special daughter, Debra Johnson (Hampton, VA); and special love: the Hawkins Family.

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