Virginia Putney

Virginia “Ginger” Belle Handy Putney of Charleston, SC passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at a local hospital. Virginia was born December 6, 1935 in Ballston Spa, NY and was the only child of the late Warren and Amelia Handy. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, F. Johnson Putney, MD, and a son, John Randolph Putney.
A native of Mountainhome, PA, she attended the Thomas Jefferson College of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA to become a nurse, a profession for which she was extremely proud. As an Ear, Nose and Threat care nurse, she met and married the late F. Johnson Putney, MD, started a family and moved to Charleston, S.C. where she has lived since 1968.
Ginger was a great supporter of local arts, serving as an active member of the Gibbes Art Museum’s Women’s Council. She was a fixture at the Spoleto Festival, USA, since its beginning in 1977 and a longtime subscriber to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Ginger enjoyed traveling the world and downtown Friday night dinners with her husband. She was an avid gardener which included growing award-winning Camellias. She had a creative decorating eye and loved dressing for concerts, shows or any special events. She was particularly known for her appreciation and collection of beautiful dress shoes. Ginger was dedicated to raising her family and supporting the medical career of her late husband to whom she was married for 46 years.
Ginger is survived by two sons, Stephen Kenneth Putney of Charleston, Todd Andrew Putney and his wife Mary Stewart of Roanoke, VA and two step children, Floyd Witt Putney, MD and his wife Jan of Charleston and Elizabeth Anne Putney of Savannah, GA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Grace Ellen Putney of Charlotte, NC, Harrison Randolph Putney, of Charlottesville, VA and step grandchildren, Meredith Putney Anderson, of Augusta, GA, Lauren Elizabeth Putney, of Charleston and Floyd Johnson Putney, II of Charleston.
The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Carla Greene, her longtime devoted caregiver, whose patience and dedication greatly enhanced her quality of life.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 1 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 pm, Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at McAllister Smith Funeral Home, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC, 29412. In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the F. Johnson Putney Head and Neck Cancer Lectureship, 135 Rutledge Avenue, P.O. Box 250550, Charleston, SC, 29425 or the Gibbes Art Museum, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401.
Condolences may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com
Arrangements entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-614-8494.