Obituary of Virginia Kay Eernisse

A true angel of compassion, Virginia Eernisse passed away on March 14, 2018 at home with her family at her bedside.  Virginia was a “DOer”.  She was a fierce and fearless advocate for people and served her community through volunteer work.  Virginia spearheaded the establishment of Special Olympics, TARS, The Arc of the Gulf Coast and Imagine Enterprises among a long list of other accomplishments.   Virginia served on the Gulf Coast Center Board and was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Texas MHMR Board.  She received honors from organizations across the state and was honored with the National Volunteer of the Year award by The Arc US. 

Involved in local and state politics, she campaigned for progressive candidates for generations.  She was a strong, vocal woman who truly believed in people. She believed that everyone should do for others when you can, that ALL people have value and should be recognized for their strengths and fighting for what is right always matters.  Her true passion was helping people achieve their best selves.  She was one badass of a woman. 

Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald Eernisse.  She leaves behind a legacy that includes her children and their spouses, Andy and Cobi Eernisse, Susan Eernisse Turner, Rusty Eernisse, Patricia and Glenn Greer; grandchildren Mandi, Brie, Asa-Marie, Haley, Nicole, Joshua, and Nathan; and great grandchildren, Hannah, Abby, Landon, Finn, Preslie, Josie, Rylynn, Lorelai and Kolton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Virginia Eernisse “Voice” endowment at Imagine Enterprises or Gulf Coast Self Advocates to support self-advocacy and self-advocates in Texas.

A visitation for Virginia will be held Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581.  The memorial service will take place, Monday, March 19 at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 611 W. south Street, Alvin, Texas 77511 with Pastor Linda Snow officiating.