Virginia Ferguson

Virginia Ferguson was born on September 11, 1941, to the late

Annie Lee Holmes Mathis and Reverend Porter in

Donalsonville, GA. After spending many years of her youth in

Donalsonville, GA, her family relocated to Homestead, FL.

She was a graduate of Homestead High School. After

graduation, Virginia relocated to Sarasota, FL where she

worked a s a waitress in Morriston Cafeteria. She is

affectionally known as Suddie by her brothers, Gin by her

friends and Gingerbread by all of her grandchildren.

Before making waves on the water, Virginia pursued her passion for floral design at Lake Worth Floral

Academy. She later opened her own flower shop, Flowers by Gin, in Ocala, where she brought joy to many

through her artistry. Her entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there-she also owned a restaurant on South

Broadway, housed in the former taxicab station, and managed Club Bali for Dr. Lamb, becoming a

well-respected figure in the community. Additionally, she was a faithful staff member at J. Hadley and

Hadley-Brown Funeral Home, where she served with dedication and compassion.

In 1972, Virginia began the study of the state's diverse waterways. In 1973, she became a trailblazer in

maritime navigation by receiving her United States Coast Guard Captains License and Homeland

Security Clearance. Captain Virginia Ferguson broke barriers in a field historically dominated by men

proving that knowledge, perseverance, and passion could chart new courses. After becoming licensed

with the United States Coast Guard, Virginia became the first female and the first black woman to

navigate the Silver River. For 46 years, she guided guests along the Silver River, welcoming them with

warmth, humor, and a deep love for nature. Her favorite channel of the Silver River was the Bridal

Chamber. She would state, "If we have disappointed lovers aboard, you have just reached your

destination."

On March 25, 2025, Virginia peacefully transitioned to be with her heavenly father at Avante at Inverness.

She leaves her legacy to be cherished by her children: Youlanda (Phillip) Jones, Robert "Rocky" Green III,

Jessica "Cookie" (Wayne) Hadley-Brown & Servando (Kiono) Ferguson, Sr., Grandchildren: Tanika

Gardner, Kyle Jones, Antonio Green, Corey McCoy, Brandon Boyd-Oliver, J.J. Oliver, Shanel Morris,

Michael Jones, Antonio Sanchez, Arsenio (Breana) Ferguson, Kevin Davis, Dominique (Adrienne)

Ferguson, Amber (Jason) Ferguson, Eboni Damon, Shinikia Sanchez, Sam Bush, Shantabria Ferguson,

Takilla Isaac, Tyesha Jackson, Shantanek Pringle, Jahari Baker, De'Andre Vernon, Jametta Joseph, Alex

(Erin) Smart, Ty (Brittney) Brown, Jasmine Brown, Phillip Jones, Jr., Nicole Jones, Ashley Wheeler, Joshua

(Mirline) Wells, Tay Jones, Jeremy Jones, Shara (Robert) Bryant, Tenisha (Sherod) Davis, Terrell Nelson.

Great grandchildren (39), Great-Great Grandchildren (18), Brothers: Nabe C. Palmer, Sr., Lamar (Murtis)

Palmer & Jack Porter. Sister/Cousin: Edith Adams, Sister: Anna Doris Palmer. Sister-In-Law: Ernestine

Porter. Brother-In-Law: Pete Gillum, Godchildren: Priscilla Bellcase, Cynthia Graham Tangela Young &

Casteria Young, Stanley, Tim, and Paula Chestnut. Godbrother: Walter Gilbert, Godsister: Essie Gilbert,

Betty Grubbs, Nora Vernon, Bonus Daughters: Debbie (Will) Nelson, Donna, Latricia Green, Sharon

Johnson, Phyllis Johnson, Yvette Hadley-Martinez, Charlotte, Sonya & Stephanie Hadley.

Preceded her in death: Bobby Ferguson (Son), Kenyatta "Bear" Jones (Grandson), Annie Lee Holmes

Mathis (Mother), Earl Porter, Sr.(Brother), Virginia Upshaw (Grandmother), Vera Hunt, Ruth Gilbert,

Audrey Holmes, Barbara Holmes, Aubrey Mallard, Judy Hubbard, Easy & Virginia Jones (Grand pups).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Virginia Ferguson, please visit our floral store.