Virginia L. Muse

Virginia Lee Johnson Muse, or Gin/Ginny as she was affectionately called by many, was born on August 24, 1952, to Cleveland Johnson, Sr. and Louise Johnson in 'Trenton, New Jersey. She departed this earth on Thursday, September 29, 2022.

She was educated in the Hightstown school system and graduate from Allentown high School. She married Roger Kelly Muse in 1977. They lived in holy matrimony for thirty-two years until his demise in 2009. Together they raised three children, Lena, Thomas 'Wayne, and Kelli.

Gin worked for forty-three years at ShopRite in Hightstown where she encountered and counseled thousands of people who came to adore her and looked forward to her endearing smile. For many years she managed the bakery department where gin made sweet treats for countless special occasions. In true Gin fashion, she was a fierce protector of those around her and anyone she felt was wronged. As such, she was the Shop Steward for her union where Gin fought tirelessly against the company for anyone who needed help.

Gin knew and loved the Lord. She was a devout Christian and belonged to St. James AME Church of Hightstown, NJ under the leadership of Pastor Stephen Bryant. There, she found her calling and took, on his awesome responsibility of feeling the needy every 'Wednesday at tlie church's soup kitchen. She truly enjoyed each and every part of this ministry from picking up the food to serving the community. As the Lay President, she was honored at the New Jersey

Annual Conference Lay Banquet for leading tlie Culinary Ministry soup Kitchen. She attended Sunday school faithfully to gain a deeper understanding of the Lord. She also assisted in establishing two different congregations: St. James AME East and West Campuses.

Gin cherished her family and friends and would host various gatherings at her home. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when she hosted many people at her annual Christmas breakfast -a tradition she took; over after her mother and sisters passed away in tlie nineties. She enjoyed having her children, brothers, in laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends over to the house. Gin made sure she had a gift for every single person who came through the door-and extras for those she did not anticipate. Gin believed that everyone should walk out of her home well fed with a gift in hand.

Gin loved to sing and dance. Spending time with family was immensely important to her. She could be found on the dance floor at any family party dancing the night away to House music. She spent years on the family

Planning Committee planning many reunions, barbecues, and 4th of July picnics. Gin was a phenomenal mother who showered her children with unconditional rove. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for them.

She is predeceased by her roving parents, husband, and sisters Gloria, Allen, Lula Belle Johnson and Laura Troutman. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory her children Lena Johnson of Trenton; NJ, Wayne Johnson of Hamilton, NJ, and Kelli Muse Kirkland (Khalek) of Jamaica, NY; A special nephew who she loved like a son, Stephen Johnson. Seven grandchildren Marcus, Tyrone, Pierre, William, Jasmine, Khalek Jr., and Kennedy; five great grandchildren; Jayvon, Marcus Jr., A Kyla, Tyrone Jr., Tyrann, Meana, Meilani and Journey; brothers Cleveland Johnson, Jr. and Nathaniel Johnson; brother-in-law Reggie Muse (Artie); sisters-in-law Ernestine Jenkins, Janice Justice (Homer) and Cheryl Wilson; Her best friend, Marilyn Bailey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family.

Funeral service will be 11am Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 21 Rev. William L. Powell Dr., Hightstown, NJ, 08520. Calling hours will be 9am until the time of service. Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hightstown, NJ. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home.

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