Lillian "Ginger" Virginia Kraft Schaffer

Lillian “Ginger” Virginia Kraft Schaffer, 86, of Athens, Georgia, passed to her heavenly home Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Presbyterian Village Senior Living. Ginger was born on August 5, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was the daughter of the late Earl Buckler Kraft, Sr. and Lillian Graves Brockman Kraft. Ginger was also predeceased by her husband, Robert Earl Schaffer, and sister, Jean Marie Kraft Graves.

Ginger was a member of and served at North Pamunkey Baptist Church in Orange, Virginia; First Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama; and Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. She graduated from Orange County High School in 1957 and was salutatorian of her class. Prior to her graduation, Ginger was crowned Miss Orange County 1956. Ginger worked at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs; and most recently, as Executive Assistant to the President of Earl Swensson Associates in Nashville, Tennessee. She is to be admired as she provided and lived a standard of faith and excellence for her family and others. Above all, Ginger loved God, her family, and friends.

Ginger is survived by her two sons, Linwood Sullivan (Debbie) of Alexander City, Alabama, and Troy Sullivan (Linda) of Buford, Georgia; stepdaughter, Kay Schaffer Wills (Kent), and stepson, Robert “Bob” Schaffer. Ginger was so proud of her five grandchildren: Jessica Sullivan, Katherine Sullivan Pennell, Steven Sullivan, Melissa Sullivan, Brian Sullivan, two step grandchildren: Ellen Wills Ball and Michael Wills and ten great grandchildren.

A memorial service with family and friends will be held in the Fall of 2026 at Brentwood Baptist Church, 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations and contributions be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com