Virginia Lee “Ginger” Sikes

Virginia Lee Sikes born May 7, 1941 passed away unexpectedly at her Bells Island, NC home February 22, 2026. She was 84 years old and born in Concord, NC. Affectionately known as “Ginger” to family and friends alike – she had a rich and full life.

Musically gifted, Ginger graduated from NC State, Greensboro and then Florida State University with a master’s degree in music education. In college, Ginger studied trumpet, French horn and conducting. Already a trailblazer as a female brass player, Ginger earned the distinction of being the first female band director in the history of the university and one of the first ever female high school band directors in the state of North Carolina let alone one of the first left handed conductors. She often spoke of the challenges of these achievements and was proud of breaking so many barriers.

After earning her master’s degree, Ginger went on to join the music faculty in the Raleigh/Durham, NC public schools where she taught at Broughton High School, and Carrol and Martin Middle Schools. She ultimately retired from the Norfolk, Virginia public school system where she was the high school band director at Granby. She also carried a private teaching studio of trumpet and French horn students consistently having the most students of any brass teacher in North Carolina’s All State programs. She invested her musical talent and appreciation into the lives of countless students over the years.

After Ginger retired to Bells Island, she immersed herself into her love of all animals and their welfare. She successfully ran the Currituck Animal Shelter for one year turning it into a no-kill shelter and then moved on to found and run the Animal Lovers Assistance League (ALAL) out of her Bells Island home, an organization which continues her work today . She tirelessly attended community events, hosted programs, educated, fundraised, and advocated for the animals of Currituck County. Ginger drove the campaign to construct today’s new and modern Currituck County Animal Shelter.

Besides her animal advocacy, Ginger was active in the Currituck Chamber of commerce where she mentored other businesswomen. She was also a steadfast supporter of the Currituck County Senior Center. Ginger will be remembered as friendly, humorous, and generous. She showed up consistently for the animals and citizens of Currituck who will miss her spirit.

While Ginger outlived most of her family, she is survived by her cousin Melodie DeWine of California, and her Godson Ken Wolff of Maryland who owes his musical career to her mentorship and support. Also surviving are several loyal friends whom she considered family including Robert Sturgeon also of Bells Island, and Georgia Greggs of Moyock, NC; her neighbors Scott and Mary; her close friend and personal assistant Charlotte Martin of Bells Island; and countless former coworkers, former students, and her ALAL family.

In accordance with her friend’s personal directives, Mrs. Martin has arranged Ginger’s cremation and private interment. There are no plans for services at this time. Please share a message of comfort for the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc was entrusted with arrangements.