Virginia "Ginger" Crider Callahan

Virginia Crider Callahan (Ginger), 93, died on December 17, 2022.

Ginger was born on December 16, 1928, in Jasper, Alabama to Elihu and Mary Helen Kirkwood Crider. She was the youngest of four children. Her parents and siblings John, Helen Mary, and Elizabeth all pre-deceased Ginger. Ginger grew up in Birmingham where she graduated from West End High School. She played cello in the school orchestra and was also a cheerleader. At the age of 18 Ginger was selected as “Bob Hope’s Favorite Brunette” for the state of Alabama and travelled to Hollywood to compete for the role of the “Favorite Brunette” in Hope’s 1947 movie “My Favorite Brunette”.

The magic of Hollywood could not compete with the love of her life back in Birmingham. On a Halloween blind date prior to travelling to Hollywood she met Bob Callahan, a student at Birmingham Southern. While in Hollywood she answered the call of love and decided to return home to Birmingham where she and Bob married in 1948.They were blessed with 70 years of marriage. Ginger was devoted to Bob.

Career opportunities took her family to a number of outposts. The family lived in Birmingham, Charlotte, NC., Owensboro, Ky. and Pittsburgh, Pa. prior to settling into their “forever home” in Point Clear, Alabama in 1971. Regardless of her zip code Ginger always made sure her house was a true home for her children and a welcoming place for friends.

Whatever your station in life, when you knocked on Ginger’s door you were greeted warmly, with a beautiful smile, offered “a little something” to eat, or a glass of “something” to refresh. When she said “just make yourself at home” you knew she meant it. Ginger genuinely loved, and when she was with you, you knew she loved you.

Ginger enjoyed opportunities for volunteer service. She volunteered at a home for children with disabilities now known as the Wendell Foster Home in Owensboro, Kentucky. While living in Pittsburgh she was active in the Southern Club of Pittsburgh including service as an officer and President of the club.

Ginger was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairhope for 50 years.

Ginger leaves her four children: Bobby (Maria); Karen Myrick (Paul); Lisa Dahle (Craig); and Mark (Lindy). All are residents of Fairhope. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren whom she adored as they adored her:  Josh Myrick (Alice); Matt Myrick (Danielle), Geoffrey Myrick (Krista), Ben Callahan (Helena), Spencer Callahan (Anja), Robert Callahan (Brandi), Tucker Callahan (Krystal), Mary Carlisle Young (Ricky), and Elisabeth Hays (William). She was blessed to see and love 20 great grandchildren.

The family will lay Ginger to rest in a private graveside ceremony on December 21 at 2:00 pm in Colony Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Ginger would ask that you enjoy “a little something” to eat with a friend, share a glass of something warm to drink with a loved one, sing a silly song with a child, and know she loves you.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

19698 GREENO RD.

FAIRHOPE AL. 36532

(251) 990-7775

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