Ginger Vann

Ginger Alison Vann was born to Lt. Col. Hugh McAlpin Vann, III and Mrs. Ginger Carole Hagan Vann on June 1, 1966 in Japan. God fashioned Ginger’s heart with passion, strong determination, leadership, resourcefulness, joy, compassion and an ability to unify others to “be the change” that they wanted to see. Those traits would transcend both space and time as her travels extended across multiple continents. Ginger was a true example of a catalyst for change.

After graduating from East Carolina University, where she was “very proud to be a Pirate, Arg”, Ginger continued her life of service as the Membership Director for the Association of the Old Crows (The Electronic Warfare Association), AFLCIO in the election division, and Data Entry Trainer for the Cambridge Company (California). She could be frequently found on the local soccer field or golf course. Ginger’s dedication to humanity and service took her to many different places. In the year 2000, Ginger moved to Baker, Louisiana, to work at the law offices of Paul Thompson and Mark Plaisance, where she met the love of her life, John Olin “Jay” Brown.

As a Baker resident, Ginger served alongside Mayor Harold Rideaux as his assistant. The City of Baker, greatly benefitted from her ability to find grants and funds to grow the community of which she lived, loved and worked. Ginger was instrumental in building the Work Force Developmental Program and Center, her efforts resulted in her being named as “Rotary Woman of Action”, followed by an invitation to the White House and the National Press Club as a guest to be honored for her servant’s heart. She continued a life of ‘service above self’, aiding the Baker Rotary Club in securing multiple community grants. She received the Rotary International Service Above Self award in honor of her global humanitarian service. In fact, if you knew Ginger, she probably tried to recruit you as a Rotarian! The offer still stands.

In the Fall of 2016, the city of Baker experienced historic flooding where many of the residents were displaced. Under the leadership of Mayor Darnell Waites, Ginger inspired people to join in the effort to rebuild Baker. Additionally, she promoted hope and reconciliation to local citizens by coordinating donors and volunteers, orchestrating distributions of cleaning supplies, and building necessary materials. Ginger can truly be revered as God’s hands and feet in service to those in need. Ginger will be greatly missed by her community and most of all, by her loving family.

Ginger is survived by her companion and best friend, John Olin “Jay” Brown; mother, Ginger Carole Vann; brother, Chip Vann and his wife Chris and their children Sidney, Shelby, Cooper and Tucker.

Ginger was preceded in death by her father, Lt. Col. Hugh McAlpin Vann, III.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be the Baker Rotary Club Members.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The visitation will continue on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Deacon Shelley Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Rotary International Foundation in Ginger’s name, https://www.rotary.org/en/donate.