Virginia Stamps Tew

On March 12, 1944 in sunny Santa Barbara, California, Clyde and Geraldine welcomed Virginia Leslie Stamps into the world. But only telemarketers ever referred to her as Virginia. Friends and family called our redheaded spitfire of a Mom, “Ginny Tew.”

Just before her senior year, Momma’s parents moved from California to Virginia where she graduated from Norview High School in 1962. She decided to pursue a post-secondary education at Brigham Young University and in April of 1966 earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. To this day, we can hardly believe she picked that degree field.

While wearing Cougar blue, Momma met a handsome fellow from Florida. Shortly thereafter, she and Gordon “Pete” Madison Tew began dating. Pete and Ginny married for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles California Temple on June 2, 1967. They moved to Pete’s hometown of Crestview, Florida and built strong roots. She became the first female Physical Education teacher at Crestview High School and also served as the Cheerleading Coach there.

Once they started their family, Ginny decided to become a full-time mother. Her four children are forever blessed that “Red” was their Momma. She is survived by Aaron Tew (and Holly), Jeri Toolan (and John), Leslie Tew (and Blaine), as well as Josh Tew (and Julie).

During our formative years, Momma was very active in the community. She relished the fellowship of the ladies in the Crestview Woman’s Club where she also served as the President for several years. Additionally, she received special recognition for saving the life of a boy who was drowning at Munson Pool.

Ginny later returned to education where she taught 7th Grade Math (woven with life lessons) at Richbourg Middle School and then Shoal River Middle School. She enjoyed giving jolly ranchers to her kids when they successfully learned new skills and treasured relationships formed with her coworkers. We were not surprised when she was voted by her peers as Richbourg’s Teacher of the Year.

Our Momma had a deep and abiding love for our Savior, and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She served for five years as the Young Women’s President of the Pensacola Stake, for ten years as the Relief Society President of the Pensacola Stake, and an additional ten years as the Relief Society President of the Fort Walton Beach Stake. She truly valued the friendships she made during her church work around the area. Ginny also found great delight in music. She loved to sing and conducted the church choir for 49 years.

Once her grandkids came along, Ginny ventured hither and yon to support them in their various activities and loved every minute of it. She is survived by Katie Marcello (and Tony), Chapman Tew (and Alana), Mathew Samuolis, Weston Tew (and Makenna), Kennedy Toolan, Brynlee Tew, Aubrey Tew, Baylee Tew, Cambell Toolan, Zachary Tew, Heath Tew, Berke Tew, and Pamela Tew. Though she could not tell us, we know our Momma was also tickled with her two great-grandbabies, John-Anthony Marcello and Rawlins Tate Toolan.

After twelve long years plagued with dementia, our sweet Momma passed peacefully on Sunday (her favorite day of the week), February 4, 2024 (which we know the math teacher in her loved – 2/4/24). She is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Geraldine Stamps, as well as her brother, Clyde Stamps, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Pete Tew, her sister, Belinda Robinson (and Steve), brother-in-law Clayton Tew (and Linda), sister-in-law Judy Stamps, and numerous nieces and nephews.

While we are saddened that our mother has gone ahead, we know that she no longer suffers and that her vibrant personality has returned. We find peace thinking about her tender reunion with Jesus and loved ones who are heaven-side.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 9:30 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3 Del Cerro Camino in Crestview, Florida. The funeral service will follow at 11 AM. All are invited and welcome to attend. Internment will take place at Live Oak Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate money to help school children in our community. You can contribute via Venmo @Aaron-Tew-2 or using an envelope provided at her service.