Virginia C. "Jenny" Dinsmore

1941 - 2012

Virginia C. "Jenny" Dinsmore obituary, 1941-2012, Austin, TX

BORN

1941

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

6300 West William Cannon Drive

Austin, Texas

Virginia Dinsmore Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 5, 2012.

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.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Dinsmore

What is your first memory of Virginia?

Share a favorite memory you have of Virginia.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Virginia.

Describe a time when Virginia made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Virginia?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Virginia.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Virginia.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Virginia.

What is something you learned from Virginia?

Not sure what to say?

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.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Virginia Dinsmore's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Virginia Dinsmore

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749

How to support Virginia's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Virginia Dinsmore's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more