Clara Virginia Harrell, “Gini”, as she was known by family and friends passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 10:15 am. Gini was born May 3, 1938 to parents, Benjamin F. Durant and Clara Durant. She was married to David R. Harrell on September 7, 1957, who preceded her in death on January 25, 2014. Of this union they were blessed with three children who all survive her. David M. and his wife, Claydeen Harrell, of Blue, TX; Robyn and her husband, Ken Brand, of the Woodlands, TX; and Kimberly and her husband, Billy Paul, of San Antonio, TX. Grandchildren: Lauren Brand of Los Angeles, CA; Andrea Harrell of Carrollton, TX; Heather and Nick Brand of Austin, TX; Benjamin Harrell of San Antonio, TX and Kaitlyn, Will and Tyler Paul of San Antonio, TX. Gini was instrumental in the success of the family business, Harrell’s Supply in Austin, and worked many long hours alongside David in building a thriving family business before retiring to Bandera, TX. By far, her favorite job was when she was a mail carrier for the US Post Office while living in Wharton, TX. She loved it because of the opportunity it gave her to visit with the people on her route. Gini loved to talk and could talk to anyone…stranger, friend, or family that she encountered. More importantly, she was a good listener and always made a person feel that there was nothing more important than what they were saying. “Mammaw,” as she was affectionately known by her 8 grandchildren, loved to spend time with her family and was especially known for her wonderful cooking. She thought there was nothing more important than teaching her grandchildren how to cook and loved to watch them get their hands messy in her kitchen. Her homemade sour dough bread and made from scratch, colored, bunny rabbit shaped pancakes (made with love for her grandchildren) will be greatly missed by everyone. Gini was the youngest of nine children and is survived by brothers Melton, Eddie, and Robert Durant and sister Annie Nettles. Brothers Lawrence, Frank, Elton and sister, Bennie Fay preceded her in passing. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, TX on Sunday, October 18 with visitation at 1pm and services at 2pm. Burial to follow at Old Liberty Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Virginia’s name be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation at http://www.bcrfcure.org/

Facts
Born: May 3, 1938
Place of Birth: Buffalo, Texas
Death: October 15, 2014
Place of Death: San Antonio, Texas