In Loving Memory of

Virginia Tsu
of Happy Valley, Oregon
10/27/1958 – 10/05/2026

Virginia “Ginny” Tsu
October 27, 1958 – October 5, 2026

Virginia “Ginny” Tsu passed away on October 5, 2026, after a courageous journey with early-onset dementia. She was 67 years old.

Born on October 27, 1958, and raised in Newton, Mississippi, Virginia was the youngest child of Jack Lockhart and Pearl Wilkerson. The youngest of seven children, her siblings were Worly, Mary Lee, Floyd, May Jane, Walter, and H.L. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Worly, Floyd, and May Jane, and is survived by her siblings Mary Lee, Walter, and H.L.

Virginia built a remarkable life defined by determination, service, resilience, and a willingness to walk paths that had not always been paved for women who looked like her.

Her career began in the United States military, where one of her early roles was working as a mechanic on F-15 fighter jets. Over the course of her distinguished military career, Virginia rose to the rank of Major, with her work evolving to include a focus on human and civil rights. Her years of service would eventually include being activated at the Pentagon in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where she held a Top Secret security clearance.

Her commitment to public service continued throughout her civilian career. Virginia worked with Departments of Transportation in multiple states before building an accomplished career with the Federal Highway Administration. Among her many professional achievements, Virginia became the first Black woman to oversee a division for the Federal Highway Administration, breaking barriers and creating space in places where women, particularly Black women, had historically been underrepresented.

Virginia worked incredibly hard for everything she accomplished. Throughout her life, she continued to rise, lead, advocate for others, and make her way through unpaved paths. In doing so, she left an example of strength and possibility for her daughters, grandchildren, and those who followed behind her.

But her accomplishments were only one part of who Ginny was.

She was stylish, approachable, warm, and known for her big heart. She loved being active and especially loved speed walking. In 2019, at 60 years old, she completed a half marathon, an accomplishment that perfectly reflected her determination and energy.

Virginia also had an enormous love for animals, particularly greyhounds. She rescued former racing greyhounds and gave them the loving homes they deserved. Among her beloved four-legged babies were Tammi Fae and Nikki, who held especially treasured places in her heart.

Above all, Virginia was a mother and grandmother.

She leaves behind her daughters, Danielle and Alexcia, and her three grandchildren, Damien, Atlas, and Lux, who will carry her strength, determination, love, and legacy forward.

Virginia’s life was defined by so much: decades of service, barriers broken, people advocated for, miles walked, animals rescued, family loved, and a lifetime of showing what it meant to keep moving forward. Even as her final years brought profound changes, the remarkable woman she had always been remained at the heart of how she was known and loved.

She was an incredible woman, deeply loved and admired, and she will be missed beyond measure.

May she rest peacefully, and may the paths she paved continue to be walked by those who come after her.