Virginia "Gigi" Finney Smith

Virginia “Gigi” Finney Smith, age 74, passed away on October 21, 2026. Born on August 29, 1952 to Henry and Mary Finney, Gigi spent her early years traveling across the country with her family during her father’s military career. Eventually, the family settled in Newport News, VA, where she graduated from Warwick High School in 1970. Soon afterward, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles “Chuck” Smith, and before long they were blessed with a son, Christopher. 

Gigi began her career in medical management at Bruton Avenue Family Practice, working for Drs. John Quarrels, Travers Edwards, and Charles Phillips. Her quest for knowledge and sharp mind, quickly advanced her from the front desk, to Bookkeeper, and eventually Office Manager. Gigi remained there for over 20 years before transferring to work at Smithfield Medical Clinic for nearly a decade. By many accounts, she was the best Office Manager they ever had! She came to appreciate and love this quaint little town, and soon the Smiths relocated. Gigi was always proud to introduce herself as “Virginia Smith, from Smithfield, Virginia.” She rounded out her medical career traveling across the US for Bon Secours, training medical practices on the EPIC medical software, used today in many hospitals and medical practices nationwide. 

Throughout her career, Gigi’s kind nature, sharp wit, and strong loyalty brought her many treasured friends. She continued to enjoy frequent lunches and afternoon “catch-up” sessions with many of her former nursing and support staff coworkers until shortly before her passing. 

Soon after relocating, Gigi discovered the Smithfield Little Theater and wasted no time making her mark as actor, director, Board Member, Treasurer, and many positions in the stage crew. Some of her favorite roles were Sister Aloysius in Doubt, and M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias. Being height-appropriate, she loved playing the Head Elf in Miracle on 34th Street.

Gigi deeply cared about her adopted community and jumped right into things, serving on Smithfield’s Planning Commission, as well as the Board of Historic and Architectural Review. She was strong in her faith, and had been a member of Trinity UMC. 

Her dedication to everything she did was always very evident. No task was too small, no effort too great. Her family was the most important thing. Her husband, her son, and her granddaughters meant the world to her. Of that there is no doubt, their pictures are still scattered around the little bungalow home she loved so much. 

Gigi will always be remembered for her absolute love of life, dare devil attitude, loyal friendship, unique humor, easy laugh, kindness, determination, and independent spirit. We are each better for having been a friend of hers.

Gigi was predeceased by her sister, Ellen Finney Dodd, and her beloved Chuck. She is survived by her son, Christopher Smith, granddaughters Lela Grace Smith and Olivia Hope Smith, a special cousin Martha Mayer, too many loving friends to name, and two very special fur covered companions.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 pm, on Sunday, November 8th, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Smithfield. Reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to: Smithfield Little Theater or to donatelife.net

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com