Jennifer (Jinky) Cross Critz

Jennifer “Jinky” Cross Critz, 68, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on October 19, 1945, in Martinsville, Virginia, the daughter of the late June Reynolds Cochran and Fletcher R. Cross.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel K. Critz of the home; a daughter, Elizabeth Critz Clark and her husband, J. Blair Clark of Stuart, Virginia; a sister, Jenny Cochran Holmes of Harrisonburg, Virginia; an aunt Patty R. Morrison of Martinsville; nephews John Robert Holmes and Zachary Lewis Holmes of Harrisonburg; Richard Critz and wife Kristina Isakovich of Nashua, New Hampshire; and one niece; Mary Lou Critz Hopper of McKinney, Texas. Jinky graduated from Martinsville High School in 1964 and then worked in data entry at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant and Pannill Knitting Company in the customer service department. She retired as an administrative assistant for the Martinsville City Public Schools in April. Jinky was a sustaining member of the Charity League of Martinsville/Henry County and a former member of The Martinsville Garden Club. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Martinsville where she was a member of the Read-Robbins Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women Circle #6. In addition, she was a member of the Dan River Emmaus Community.

Jinky was known for her smile and hospitality in her church and school and among family and friends. She tirelessly served others through her love of cooking. Jinky was known for her sourdough bread, miniature chess pies and cheese straws. She was passionate about flowers, winning several awards in the Garden Club of Virginia Daffodil Shows in the categories of horticulture and arrangements. Jinky’s genuine concern and gentle humility endeared her to others. She selflessly put others first as a loving wife, mother, sister and friend.

A memorial service celebrating Jinky’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville. Lunch will follow the service in the First United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall. Family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall on Monday night, August 18, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. and at other times at the home at 301 Surrey Court, Martinsville. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 146 East Main Street, Martinsville, VA 24112.

Arrangements are being handled by McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville.

To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.