GRAYSVILLE, Ala. – Ginger Whitworth — the wonderfully eccentric, ditty-singing sidekick of Alabama’s beloved, weather-predicting groundhog, Smith Lake Jake — passed away on Nov. 17, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. She was 76.
“Since childhood, Ginger seemed to have a natural connection with animals,” said Ginger’s sister, Cyndi Calhoun. “Her heart was always open to any critter, and she devoted her life to loving, protecting and rescuing animals.”
Ginger and Heath Whitworth’s Graysville home gradually became a sanctuary for unwanted and injured creatures. Locals who could no longer care for a pet, struggled with vet bills or stumbled upon an injured animal often ended up at Ginger’s door — usually on the recommendation of the town veterinarian. Her remarkable story eventually carried her all the way to New York City and an appearance on “The Queen Latifah Show.”
Around 2005, while driving to Smith Lake, Cyndi discovered a tiny baby groundhog in the middle of the road. She called Ginger, who immediately rushed to the scene, kissed the orphaned marmot on the nose, taught him to walk on his hind legs and named him Smith Lake Jake.
The pair quickly became beloved fixtures at nursing homes, schools, libraries, parades, festivals, fundraisers and Groundhog Day celebrations. Jake even earned a reputation for accurately foretelling baby genders, American Idol winners (including Taylor Hicks) and Super Bowl outcomes. Ginger often wrote and performed songs to accompany his predictions — which, for the record, didn’t rely on seeing his shadow. Instead, they depended on whether the hairs on his back were bristled or relaxed.
Like his 138-year-old counterpart, Punxsutawney Phil, Smith Lake Jake knows the secret to exceeding the average celebrity groundhog lifespan. Over the next two decades, Ginger and Smith Lake Jake (I, II and III) — always wearing his signature hat — went on many adventures together.
As Jake’s fame grew, he amassed multiple social media accounts, appeared on local television, starred in commercials, and achieved what most weather-predicting animals never will: he made it to the big screen! Fans can spot him as “Colt Lake Jake” about 15 minutes into the 2025 movie “Bad Man” starring Seann William Scott, now available on streaming platforms.
“Mom and Smith Lake Jake were such a joyful pair, and I’m grateful she was able to see his movie debut,” said Tam Ewers, Ginger’s daughter. “They brought smiles, laughter and connection to so many people and communities, and I want to thank everyone who welcomed them, supported them and loved them over the years.”
A Celebration of Life for Ginger will be held on Monday, Nov. 24, at Bells Funeral Home, 2077 Pratt Highway, Birmingham, Alabama. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10-11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m.
