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On Sunday, November 4, 2012, Heaven welcomed Virginia Ruth Craver Dinsmore with her trademark smile. While Jenny left us entirely too soon, and entirely too young (71), she was a testament to the old adage, "It's not how long you live, it's how well you live," and so she did. Jenny spent her life more concerned about the welfare of others than herself. She made sure her loved ones, friends and the newest people she met were doing well. Even at the end of her struggles, she always wanted to know if those she was with were having a good day and if they needed anything.
Jenny was born and raised in Texarkana and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in English, Classics and Secondary Education. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Jenny was also an entrepreneur, starting two Austin companies: the first touring company in town, Yellow Rose Tours, which eventually became Gray Line Tours, and JB Properties, where she had a successful career as a real estate broker. Later in her life, she taught children and adult Sunday School classes and was a Bible Study Fellowship children's leader. She also tutored prisoners, helping them to get their GED. She truly enjoyed her work in many interesting jobs and all the people she met.
Her true love was her family and especially her children. Her daughter Stacy helped care for Jenny when she first became ill. Losing Stacy, just two years ago, dealt Jenny a very tough blow. Her son David is so lucky to have had her in his life. She introduced him to one of his passions when she signed him up for a golf lesson at Texarkana Country Club with Don Murphy. Jenny also played golf for many years, first at Texarkana Country Club, where she and Bill lived for 10 years, then later, at Balcones Country Club in Austin.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Stacy Lynn Bales, her husband, Bill Dinsmore, and her parents, Howard and Ruth Craver.
She is survived by her son, David Lawrence Bales of Austin; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Garland Kennon of Houston; brother, William Craver of New York; stepchildren, Cherise Bell, Denise Jenkins, Denny Dinsmore and their families; niece, Diane Kennon Shrull and family of Richardson; and nephew, Stephen Kennon and family of Austin.
A memorial celebration of Jenny's life will be held Friday, November 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road in Austin, TX 78750, with a reception to follow at Balcones Country Club, 8600 Balcones Club Drive, Austin, TX 78750.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Capital of Texas Chapter, 3429 Executive Center Drive, #100, Austin, TX 78731, or, Texans for Stem Cell Research at www.txstemcell.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 18, 2013
Libby Frohlich
I just learned of Jenny's passing. She was a great friend to me in Texarkana. Jenny was so full of life and fun to be around. I will always remember her adventuresome nature and laugh. She was special to my husband and our two girls loved her. We all loved her. She was a true texan gal.
March 5, 2013
David Bales
I would like to thank everyone of you for your incredibly kind words and love for mom and our family.We consider ourselves lucky to count all of you friends.Your words of encouragement, sympathy and prayers make it just a little easier as we celebrate mom's life.Thanks!
March 3, 2013
Jake Billingsley
Virginia Craver was junior high and high school classmate and my forever friend. Her spirit lives in every person she met and I am so thankful that I was one of those. Rest in Peace Virginia.
November 11, 2012
Jane--
Mother and I were greatly saddened to learn of Jenny's death. What a lovely picture of her--we remember that wonderful smile. Please know that you and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and hearts.
With love,
Margaret and Janet Ingram
Austin TX
November 11, 2012
Lorraine Chammah
David, I am so sorry to just learn of your mother's death. I hope good memories of the rich life she lived are a comfort to you now. With deepest sympathy. Lorraine Chammah
November 9, 2012
Lee Leatherwood
Jenny and I used to laugh about the fact that we had been friends through the hospitality industry for almost 10 years before I ever met you. It is indeed a small world--and an emptier one without her. She was so proud of you and always your number one supporter, just as you were hers. Your devotion to her, especially over the last few years of her illness, has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all who know you. Elaine joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences.
November 8, 2012
A poem written by my Mother before Alzeimers .took her.....
Go gently from this good earth,
Let the angels quide your way,
To a place of peace and tranquil beauty.
That we all may find some day some day.
Life is not so gentle, nor peaceful or sublime.
May you find it on your journey,
Somewhere along the line.
Connie Patton
November 8, 2012
Caroline Mitchell
I'll always remember your Mom driving around in her Cadillac with her left foot propped up on the seat. She was either coming or going to play golf. Her Southern twang was music to my ears as she would stretch single syllable words to two or three syllables. She was a funny, bubbly, busy woman who cared deeply for you and Stacy. I'm glad I knew her.
November 8, 2012
Alicia Ranzau
Jenny was a wonderful friend to me and my daughters for almost 40 years. When my youngest daughter was graduating from high school, Jenny announced that she and Stacy would have a luncheon in her honor. She was not only kind, funny, and smart, she was classy. David, may your memories of your Mom bring a smile to your face always. We love you.
November 8, 2012
Suzanne Holman Steadman
I'm so sorry David to hear the news of your mom's passing. My memory of your mom goes back to our 'Sunnybrook" days when I used to babysit you and your "little" sister. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
November 7, 2012
Hey David, so sorry about the loss of your mom. I remember her well.
Todd Fariss
November 7, 2012
Jerry Erie
Jane, this is Jerry Erie and I just wanted to say how sorry I was to read about Virginia. I always will remember the many nights I came over your house to get Virginia to help me with my homework. Not really, I came over to see her she was a very special girl, and I thought about her over the years, why? Virginia was my first girlfriend and the first girl I kissed, I will never forget her she was my first love and we were always very close I wish I could be with, but my love for our friendship will be there with you and the family.
My prayers are with you and the family; I will never forget my first girlfriend.
Your friend, Jerry R. Erie
November 7, 2012
Ross Parker
My most sincere regrets. Virginia and I were classmates and friends from first through twelfth grade. She has many friends here in Texarkana. She will be missed.
November 7, 2012
What a wonderful testamony in this obituary! You have our deepest sympathy, David. You were a wonderful son to Jenny. Love, Glen & JoAnn Cleckler
November 7, 2012
Cathy Bourn
She was such a gracious lady. I will miss her sweet, sweet smile. You are all in my prayers.
November 6, 2012
Casee Anderson
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing David; our prayers are with you. Love, Casee and Greg
November 6, 2012
David Holt
Our thoughts and prayers are with you David. Call on us anytime that you need us. David, Nancy, Erika, Chris, Heather, Steven and Lila.
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