Venita "Jinger" Grover Hazelwood

Venita “Jinger” Grover Hazelwood, 89, formerly of Amarillo and Midland, Texas, died Thursday, December 12, 2013, at her home in Westminster Manor (Austin, Texas). Born on August 10, 1924, in Liberal, Kansas, Jinger was an extraordinary person of many talents, great energy, faith and optimism who had a tremendous zest for life and a genuine liking and love for other people.

Influenced early in life by the Great Depression and World War II, Jinger grew up in Liberal, Kansas, on a dairy farm where she made, sold and delivered cottage cheese (which she refused to eat to this day). She also began to develop her talents that over time transformed her into a professional photographer and concert pianist (along with being a wonderful mother and wife).

Jinger studied photography in New York City and was employed by Cartier’s to photograph jewelry for ads published in the New Yorker Magazine. After relocating back to the Mid-West, she became a member of the Amarillo Photographic Society, winning numerous photography awards, and applying her talents to family and community oriented pursuits.

As a pianist, she studied music under Joseph Bentonelli and in New York City performed a piano program at Radio City Music Hall. Jinger also played for Servicemen’s Clubs during World War II and both performed and taught music in Amarillo, Texas for over 40 years. Most recently, she performed for residents of Westminster Manor during church services and hosted a piano program for residents entitled “Name That Tune”. Performing at Westminster Manor also led to Jinger’s role as an “editor and reporter” for Arbour & AL Life, a newsletter that highlights the talents, interests and experiences of other residents and staff members whom she dearly loved.

On July 14, 1946, Jinger Grover married Jay E. “Pop” Hazelwood, a decorated World War II veteran and mechanical contractor. Soon thereafter they located to Amarillo, Texas, and proceeded to raise two children (Mark & Niki) during a very happy marriage that lasted for 65 years until Pop’s death in 2011. As a wife and mother, Jinger developed a passion for supporting her children’s many activities, playing various card and board games, watching movies and cooking wonderful meals. Jinger and Pop also traveled the world extensively as documented by over 40 large scrapbooks of her photographs.

Jinger is survived by her son (Mark Hazelwood and wife, Gloria) and daughter (Niki Moshell and husband, Mark) along with grandchildren (Clay, David and his wife, Anne, Taryn and her husband Dale, Ryan, Ross and his wife Ashley) and great grandchildren (Marquel, Miles, Mackenzie, William, Luke, Reid and Cade). She also is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many other friends and admirers.

A memorial service (followed by a reception) will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in the Westminster Manor Chapel located at 4100 Jackson Avenue in Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, Jinger’s family recommends making a donation to either the Visiting Angels (www.visitingangels.com / 512-250-2103), or Hospice Austin (www.hospiceaustin.org / 512-342-4700). Please visit Jinger’s memorial at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com