Geneva Dunn

Geneva L. Dunn, daughter, sister, mother, aunt, friend, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on the morning of Sunday, November 18, 2012 surrounded by the love of her "girls" whom her life revolved around. Geneva led a life of virtue, class, friendship and abounding love, but her greatest accomplishments were being the kind of mother and "Nana" whose love bound a family together. Geneva was born on September 10, 1933, to parents, Bailey Benjamin and Luzinka "Dink" Long, and older brother, Wayne, in Houston, Texas. Her big brother, Wayne, was her hero and he remained as such throughout her entire life. Bailey and Dink raised both of their children to live lives of faith, compassion, and love; and the value of family was instilled in them both. This legacy has been passed down through the generations, and though the family has grown larger and larger over the years, it has grown even closer as a result of the love nurtured first by Bailey and Dink, then by Geneva, Wayne and their families. Geneva married Wyndal Dunn, and together, they had one daughter, Cathy. From the moment she was born, Cathy became the center of Geneva's universe. She was the kind of mother who inspired Cathy to go for her dreams and supported her every step of the way. She was the kind of mother who in one moment could give Cathy a serious "talkin-to" that would whip any child into shape, then in another be the mom who goes out on the town with Cathy and all of her friends. She was the best mom, but also managed to maintain the role of best friend to Cathy and many of her girl friends. Geneva retired from Fort Worth Mortgage Company as Vice President after more than 30 years. Those who knew her know that she was a beauty that could take anyone's breath away, but that she also had the intelligence and independent spirit that carried her to a career that was not necessarily standard for women during that time. In short, she was quite the spitfire.

In 1979, Geneva became a grandmother for the first time as Cathy brought Sheree Ann Gray into this world. She did not know she could love something so much, but quickly learned that the joys of being a grandmother were indeed one of the greatest parts of life. When she found out that Cathy was expecting another, she admittedly could not imagine loving another baby as much as Sheree. But when Crysten DeAnne Gray was born, she learned that the capacity for love in a grandmother's heart knows no limitations. In 1987, Cathy married Ron and the family grew even more still with the addition of a new granddaughter to love, Melissa Brooke Slagle. Her girls made her laugh and smile throughout her whole life and she would tell everyone she met how proud she was of them. Over the years, Ron became like the son she never had. They, too, had a very special bond. He always went beyond what most would expect in caring for his Mother-in-Law. Geneva also became a close friend to Ron's mother, Helen. When Helen went to be with the Lord, Geneva provided the kind of motherly love and support that Ron so needed and she allowed him to have a mother figure in his life even though his dear mom could not be right there with him anymore. They were also the best of friends. Ron was one of the only people who could match her wit. They were quite the pair.

In 1998, Geneva became a great-grandmother as Garrett was born to Melissa Brooke. That sweet baby boy was the first to show her how deep the love can be for a great-grandchild, something she had seen her parents experience with 13 great-grandchildren. In the years following, Jack, Mike, and Levi expanded the family and she got a kick out of all of the fun that comes along with little boys. In 2007, the fifth grand-boy entered the family as Crysten DeAnne had her first baby, Devon. Geneva had the great joy of keeping Devon while Crysten worked. During the six-months that she kept him every day of the week, Devon and his Nana became like two peas in a pod. Geneva was blessed to witness many of his "firsts" and the love between them was undeniable. In 2010, the first baby girl was born into the family since 1982. Miss Zoë Anabelle reminded Geneva of her baby girl, Cathy, and you could say that she was quite "goo-goo" over her from the start. Geneva was always the best Nana to her grand children and great-grandchildren. The love that she showed them and the lessons that she taught will continue into the next generation. In addition to her immediate family, Geneva had an abundance of friends. She was known for her humor and for always telling it like it is among her friends. Her very best girlfriends passed before she, so we can only imagine the kind of party going on in Heaven as they have all been reunited. Geneva was not only a dear daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend; but also a loving aunt to her brother, Wayne's children: Wayne Jr., Billy Ray, Terry, Larry, and Laurie. As they grew up, became married, and had children of their own, she embraced all of their families with love and laughter. Geneva left a mark on this world that can be seen best through the people that she touched. There are countless cousins, friends, and extended family members who were so important to her and who loved and respected her. One of her favorite songs, "Unforgettable"by Nat King Cole, captures a bit of what she meant to the people in her life: "Unforgettable in every way. And forever more, that's how you'll stay." Geneva Long Dunn is survived by: daughter, Cathy Dunn Slagle and husband, Ron Slagle; granddaughters Sheree Gray, Crysten Caviness and husband, David, Melissa Golden and husband, Kenneth; nephews Wayne Long, Jr. and wife, Patty, Terry Long, and Larry Long and wife, Becky; nieces Laurie Boes and Genelle Long; great-grandchildren: Levi, Garrett, Mike, Jack, Devon and Zoë. Preceded in death by: parents, Bailey and Luzinka "Dink" Long; brother, Wayne Long, and sister-in-law, Billie Jo Long; and nephew, Billy Ray Long. In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to make a donation in Geneva Dunn's memory to one of the following organizations: North Richland Hills Animal Adoption and Rescue Center - www.igive.com/NRHAnimalARC North Texas Easter Seals - ntx.easterseals.com