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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 Florida State University with a degree in music education. In college, Ginger earned the distinction of being the first female band director in the history of the university. She often spoke of the challenges of this achievement and was proud of breaking that barrier.
After earning her masters degree, Ginger went on to join the music faculty in the Norfolk, Virginia public schools. Ginger played several instruments including the piano, trumpet, and oboe. 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. Ginger founded and ran the ALAL (Animal Lovers Assisstance League) out of her Bells Island home for several years. She tirelessly attended community events, hosted programs, educated, fundraised, and advocated for the animals of Currituck County. Ginger drove the campaign to construct todays modern Currituck County Animal Shelter.
Besides her animal advocacy, Ginger was active in the Currituck Chamber of commerce where she mentored other business women. 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 God-son Ken Wolff of Maryland. Also surviving are several loyal friends whom she considered family including; Robert Sturgeon of Chesapeake, and Georgia Greggs of Moyock, NC; her neighbors Scott and Mary Linaburg; 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.
Condolences
May God have a special kind of heaven for giving souls like Ginger’s. Surrounding her in love and peace and hopefully her many pets she affectionately cared for. She was a good person and will be remembered for her charity and compassion for the helpless animals. She extended her support to many friends as well and was helpful to us as neighbors always willing to help wherever she could. God’s rest and peace Ginger.
I only knew Ginger in recent years, but found it rewarding and interesting to work with her:) Hers was a life well lived!
Words cannot express the hurt I felt when I was informed of Miss Sikes passing. She became my second mother after my mother passed away. I enjoyed our talks on the phone and our visits when I went down to the island. I will very much miss our conversations and visits to her home. Rest well mom, I will miss you very much. Love Your adopted son Alan.
TO MS. DEWINE & MR. WOLFFE, MRS. MARTIN & FRIENDS: I FIRST MET MS. SIKES IN MY COUNTRY STORE IN MAPLE, NC & SHE MAY HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO ME BY MRS. MARTIN, SINCE THEY WERE BOTH GREAT CUSTOMERS IN OUR STORE. I MISS SEEING THEM BOTH AFTER THE STORE CLOSED & RECENTLY RAN INTO MRS. MARTIN. THANK YOU MR. & MRS. MARTIN & ALL FOR YOUR DEVOTED FRIENDSHIP TO MRS. SIKES. I ESPECIALLY ADMIRED HER LOVE FOR ANIMALS, A REAL TROOPER FOR THIER SAFETY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS. GINGER IS GREATLY MISSED. SINCERELY, NANCY D. SNEAD ALICE SNEAD BALLANCE FORMER OWNERS OF THE MILL STONE COUNTRY STORE IN MAPLE, NC.
We are so deeply saddened to learn of Gingers passing. She was a wonderful volunteer and a kindhearted person who will be missed. With Deepest Sympathy, Currituck Senior Services Staff
May God have a special kind of heaven for giving souls like Ginger’s. Surrounding her in love and peace and hopefully her many pets she affectionately cared for. She was a good person and will be remembered for her charity and compassion for the helpless animals. She extended her support to many friends as well and was helpful to us as neighbors always willing to help wherever she could. God’s rest and peace Ginger.
I only knew Ginger in recent years, but found it rewarding and interesting to work with her:) Hers was a life well lived!
Words cannot express the hurt I felt when I was informed of Miss Sikes passing. She became my second mother after my mother passed away. I enjoyed our talks on the phone and our visits when I went down to the island. I will very much miss our conversations and visits to her home. Rest well mom, I will miss you very much.
Love
Your adopted son
Alan.
TO MS. DEWINE & MR. WOLFFE, MRS. MARTIN & FRIENDS:
I FIRST MET MS. SIKES IN MY COUNTRY STORE IN MAPLE, NC & SHE MAY HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO ME BY MRS. MARTIN, SINCE THEY WERE BOTH GREAT CUSTOMERS IN OUR STORE. I MISS SEEING THEM BOTH AFTER THE STORE CLOSED & RECENTLY RAN INTO MRS. MARTIN. THANK YOU MR. & MRS. MARTIN & ALL FOR YOUR DEVOTED FRIENDSHIP TO MRS. SIKES. I ESPECIALLY ADMIRED HER LOVE FOR ANIMALS, A REAL TROOPER FOR THIER SAFETY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS. GINGER IS GREATLY MISSED.
SINCERELY,
NANCY D. SNEAD
ALICE SNEAD BALLANCE
FORMER OWNERS OF THE MILL STONE COUNTRY STORE IN MAPLE, NC.
We are so deeply saddened to learn of Gingers passing. She was a wonderful volunteer and a kindhearted person who will be missed.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Currituck Senior Services Staff