Geneva Anne Kennemer

Geneva Anne (Messimer) Kennemer
May 23, 1924 ~ December 30, 2021

Funeral services for Geneva Anne (Messimer) Kennemer, age 97, of Winnsboro, will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Beaty Funeral Home in Winnsboro, with Rev. Henry Suche and Rev. Debbie Lyons officiating. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery, with Steve Cates, Larry Finney, Jerry Galloway, Tim Messimer, Kenny Mosher, and Gary Woodle serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. H.F. Cannaday, Johnny Keith, and Steve Newman. A formal visitation will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022, from 4-6 pm, at Beaty Funeral Home. Geneva lived a long and fulfilled life, passing away peacefully in her sleep on December 30, 2021.

Geneva Anne Messimer was born on May 23, 1924, in Winnsboro, Texas, to Ira Roscoe and Mattie Ethel (Russom) Messimer. She married George Harold (Ike) Kennemer in 1941. Ike’s military duties took them to different places, but they settled down in Winnsboro, Texas. They were happily married for 43 years before he unexpectedly passed away on April 26, 1984. In addition to her parents, Geneva was also preceded in death by daughter, Joy Sims, on May 16, 2013, as well as all her brothers and sisters, Willie Salmon, May Belle Payne, Mozelle Mills, Eddie Messimer, Kyle Messimer and granddaughter, Sandy Trevino.

Geneva is survived by many family members and friends. Survivors include her son, Harold E. Kennemer and wife, Sylvia of Round Rock; daughter, Vickie Kennemer, of Winnsboro; grandson, Gary Sims and wife, June of Golden; grandson, Mike Sims and wife, Cathy of Chandler; grandson, Jason Sims and wife, Sharon of Crossroads; and granddaughter, Lisa Beyer and husband, Rick of Celina. Other survivors include great grandchildren, Garret, Claire, Michael, Catie, Jaci, Nick, Robert and Nathaniel and great great grandson, Luke. Geneva is also survived by many nephews and nieces, who affectionately called her Aunt Neva.

Geneva was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, known to Vickie and Gene as Mama, to some as Mamaw, and to others as Kennemer. She loved her family unconditionally. Geneva cherished these roles in her family and had lovingly made, throughout the years, each family member a special handmade quilt. She was also a dedicated supporter of Shady Grove Cemetery, having quilted many handmade quilts to auction during cemetery fundraisers. Having served many years as a director with the Shady Grove Cemetery Association, she was committed to the maintenance, history, and legacy of the cemetery. Geneva was a Christian and a longtime, loyal member of First United Methodist Church in Winnsboro, serving in various capacities throughout the years.

Geneva attended Stout and Shady Grove Schools in her early years, later graduating from Winnsboro High School. She married, raised her family, and later retired as office manager from Dr. H.F. Cannaday’s Dental Practice, then serving her community as a Pink Lady volunteer for many years at Presbyterian Hospital and member of the Eastern Star. She and Ike were avid square dancers for many years as well. Geneva loved life, her family and friends, her church, and her community, and she will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shady Grove Cemetery, c/o Sherry Finney, P.O. Box 861, Winnsboro, TX 75494, or to First United Methodist Church-Winnsboro, c/o Rev. Debbie Lyons, 301 Church St., Winnsboro, TX 75494.