Virginia Carol Smith Mayforth (“Ginnie”) passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026. She was born on July 1, 1924, to Harold and Eleanor Sprague Smith, in Sewell, Chile. Her parents were originally from Manasquan, NJ and her dad worked at El Teniente copper mine in the Andes Mountains of central Chile. Ginnie had fond memories of horseback riding in the mountains and meeting friends from all nations. She and her family sailed from Chile to New York in 1938 and in 1942 she graduated from her Northfield School for Girls, which was an incredibly enriching experience.
She was determined to attend college and was gifted $100 from Westminster Church in Wilmington, DE to attend the University of Delaware. She worked her way through college, with a major in English and became the vice president of her graduating class of 1949.
After college, she met F. Robert Mayforth (“Bob”) and they were married on August 19, 1950. They lived in North Wilmington, DE where Bob worked as a financial analyst for most of his career. Ginnie and Bob were founding members of Concord Presbyterian Church which began in a shoe store in Fairfax. She sang in the choir, was a deacon and served on many committees. She and Bob traveled to Europe extensively, often with their best friends, Dot and Walt Miller.
Ginnie devoted her life to raising her children, supporting and encouraging them to blossom in their unique ways. She was always willing to listen and offer wisdom and was a safe refuge for many. She was a great cook and loved to “hold court” on Sunday nights for family and friends.
Ginnie’s heart was always focused on how she could help others and hosted many foreign students who went to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. She loved the arts and was a devoted subscriber to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Delaware Symphony, Delaware Opera, and the Delaware Theater. She was the chairwoman for 2 music competitions… the Austrian/American Society and the Estella Frankel Scholarship.
After Bob died, Ginnie moved to Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, DE. where she received excellent loving care for 12 yrs.
Her greatest gift was the love and graciousness she so naturally offered to all who crossed her path. She touched more lives than she ever knew. Her kindness left an imprint on countless hearts, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.
Ginnie is survived by her children, Donna Mayforth, Peter Mayforth (Martha), Robin Mayforth, and Kristin Wistar (Scott); and grandchildren, Tyler Mayforth, Elizabeth Tedrick (Tyrone), Miles Wistar (Amber), and Brianna Wistar; great-grandchildren Jack and Ava Tedrick, and Emira Wistar.
A Celebration of Ginnie’s life will be held on September 19th, 2026, at Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19803 at 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers we kindly ask that you donate to a charity of your choice or to Concord Presbyterian Concert Series Fund https://concordpc.org/give/special-funds/
To send an online condolence please visit www.mccreryandharra.com
