On July 13, 2018, Geneva passed over the Jordan to join Dad. She was born on March 10, 1924 in Scurry, Texas but moved as a small child to Dallas. Dallas was her home for the rest of her life except for the many years at the 200 acre ranch outside Waxahachie that Dad built for her with unique features she specified. She was always the bright star in the sky and brought smiles and laughter to all her family and friends. She was truly Auntie Mame without the bad habits. Her motto was “I am going to LIVE until I die”. She was married to her beloved Johnny in January 1942. They shared a powerful and deep love for each other. He died on Oct. 8th, 1986 so now they are re-united by God’s grace. Her parents were James and Geneva Hranicky who have both preceded her in death. She graduated from old Forest High School in Dallas in 1941. Dad went off to the War in 1942 and she as millions of others had to struggle with the shortages and hardships of war. Those faded love letters and post cards to each other still bring tears to the readers eyes as the mutual devotion can be felt in their writings. She and Dad had grown up dirt poor during the Depression and were part of the generation that built the land of bounty we have all known since the War.
Never a more vibrant spirit graced a family or a wide circle of friends. To Dad she was “honey” or “baby”. To her sons she was “mom”. To her many grandchildren and great grandchildren she was “granny”. To her extended family of nieces and nephews she was “aunt Ginney” and to her many friends she was Geneva. She was ready for any adventure at the drop of a hat and had a zest for life that all who knew her appreciated. She was a true road trip maven and ready to go on the Jacksboro highway or a small country road in the Ozarks. For decades she and Dad were active members of the old Fun Club of Oak Cliff. A group of wonderful friends and neighbors who all relished the joy of a Christian life with a zest for the lighter side of life. She was a generous and gracious host who loved nothing better than entertaining friends or especially grandchildren at their gentleman’s farm outside Waxachachie. It was a grand place with an indoor waterfall Dad hand made for her and many a wonderful Christmas morning was spent there by all. She was the best at finding every type and unique Christmas knick knack or decoration.
She loved country living and was quite the rancher woman. She blossomed at the first ranch near Glen Rose then Waxahachie being able to name each cow. She was never afraid to get in the corral and help with the cows, goats or horses.
She was preceded in death by John B. Atwood Jr her husband and friend for 44 years. Also by her parents and three brothers, Rudolph, Johnny and Gene Hranicky. She has two sons John B. Atwood III and wife Diane, Michael Earnest Atwood and wife Kathleen. She is also survived by eight grandchildren Lara McNair and husband Jamie, Gwen Atwood and husband Paul, Amy Atwood and wife Tanya, Blu Atwood and wife Liza, Lydia Miller and husband Henry, Adam Atwood and wife Shannon, Michael Atwood and wife Lucia, and Chadley Atwood and wife Elizabeth. She was blessed with and also survived by 22 great grandchildren.
Her faith never wavered nor her devotion to her family. Rest in peace Mom, time to go be with Dad again and we all know that is what you want.
A graveside service will be held at Laurel land cemetery in Oak Cliff on Tuesday July 17, 2018, at 10:30 o’clock for family and friends to share their love for her and Dad. It will be a time to honor a life and wish bon voyage for her journey that all Christians embrace to God’s presence and Dad.
In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the church of your choice, the American Cancer Society or your local Animal Shelter.
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