A great beauty all her life, Winifred (Wini) Ivy was born in Dallas on May 28, 1925, to Annie Clyde Edmundson Ivy and Alfred Munroe Ivy. She had three brothers: Robert Lawson Ivy, David Munroe Ivy and Thomas Joseph Ivy. Wini and her brothers attended Adamson High School, where Wini was selected a school beauty.
The US entered WWII when Wini was only 16. Both her older brothers, Bobby and David, joined up quickly. After graduation, Wini took a job working for the Corps of Engineers to help with the war effort. She married a handsome soldier when she was 19. Their son, James Munroe (Monty) Reavley was born in 1945.
After the war ended, Wini married a former high school beau and Naval airman, Fred Gillette. Fred adopted Monty. Their daughter, Victoria Lynn, was born in 1948.
Thin and beautiful, Wini began work as a model for Neiman-Marcus around 1954. She was also in demand for photographic work and often appeared in fashion ads in the Dallas Morning News.
Later, Wini married Jim Jure, who was also in the fashion industry. Jim and Wini entertained a lot during their marriage, and Wini became a gourmet cook, an expert “gin” player, and a wonderful dancer. She and Jim were often seen on the dance floor at the Cipango Club, a hip venue during the 1960s.
Wini and Fred lost their son, Monty, to a tragic accident in 1961. Wini was devastated by the loss and never really fully recovered.
She threw herself into work. She served as chairwoman of the Crystal Charity Ball, Dallas’ most exclusive gala, in 1968, helping to raise thousands for worthy charities.
When her marriage ended, she began working to establish her own dress line. But oilman and New Yorker Christian Rasmus Holmes soon swept her off her feet. They traveled a great deal during the early years of their marriage, spending time in Europe and Asia.
Later, they settled in Houston, and Wini began a new career as a real estate saleswoman. Eventually, she became the sales manager for the exclusive Huntingdon high-rise condominiums, showing to such clients as former Governor John Connally. Wini’s considerable talents led to her taking on space-planning responsibilities for the high-rise, as well.
After Chris died, Wini moved back to Dallas. A sweet and lovely person, with a generous heart, she made many friends. She remained a great beauty until her death.
Wini died of acute respiratory failure on Feb. 15, in Seasons hospice, Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas.
She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Gillette, of Denver, Colorado, grandchildren Natalie Victoria Blair-Henderson (Kyle), Barron Halton Henderson (Katherine), Carter Emmons Henderson (Sheila), great-grandchildren Ellora and Petra Blair-Henderson and Baxter and Owen Henderson, nephews David Ivy and Steve Ivy (Linda), and nieces Jan Holloway (Devon), JoAnn Miller (Marshall), LouAnn Roberts (Evan), Christie Ivy (David), Kerrie Fielden (Marc), and Janet Ivy, and by sister-in-law Mattie Ivy.
A service will be held March 3, at 12 PM, Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas, 75225. For more information, call 214-363-5401.
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