Van Grace Chauvin

Mrs. Pinney was born April 26, 1943, in Austin, Texas, to Dr. E.V. Chauvin and Van Enola Bailey Chauvin. In 1961, she graduated from high school in Austin, Texas. She earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston) and Masters of Science degrees from the University of Texas (Austin) and the University of California (Davis).

She devoted thirty-three years to nursing practice and nursing education. Nineteen years were spent in the Houston and Dallas Public Schools as a school nurse and family nurse practitioner. Mrs. Pinney was selected by the Texas Association of School Nurses as Texas School Nurse of the Year in 1991 and selected one of the Top 100 Nurses in the Dallas Fort Worth Area in 1992.

She taught twenty-three years in Nursing programs at the University of Texas (Austin), University of Nevada (Reno), University of Texas (Arlington), Texas Woman’s University (Denton), and Alcorn State University (Natchez).

Mrs. Pinney was happily married to Dr. William E. Pinney for thirty years after a six month courtship and a marriage proposal on their first date. He was her best friend and dearest companion. She was an attentive and loving stepmother, grandmother, sister, stepsister, niece, cousin and friend and she was especially thankful for her devoted sister, a precious gift from God. She was indebted to her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, who contributed to her upbringing and life lessons. Her family was the highlight of her life and she delighted in their many achievements, successes, services, activities and travels.

Mrs. Pinney was always grateful for her merciful and compassionate Creator. She was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchez.

Membership in other community service and activity organizations included: American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Clowns of America International, Natchez Garden Club, Natchez Scottish Heritage Society, Natchez Historical Society, Friends of the Natchez City Cemetery, Arkansas Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, Col. John Washington Chapter of Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, Hot Springs Village Audubon Society, and Hot Springs Village Symphony Guild.

Known for her enthusiasm and love of adventure, Mrs. Pinney sampled many different life experiences including: SCCA sports car road racing regional champion; professional clowning and instructing as “Blossom”; hot air balloon student pilot; and local community theater productions.

Survivors include her spouse Dr. William Emery Pinney; stepdaughter, Laura Pinney Munson and husband David of Arlington; stepson, Marc Emery Pinney and wife Amy of Dallas; grandchildren, Drew and Audrey Munson and Eason, Amelia, and Rex Pinney; sister, Jan Chauvin Lincoln and husband David of Sioux Falls; stepsister, Pam Chauvin Jacobs and husband Bobby of Victoria; cousin, Cheryl Nored Dean and husband Allen of Albuquerque; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2010 in St John’s Episcopal Church, 11201 Parkfield Drive, Austin, Texas, with Rev. Albert R. Rodriguez officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Capitol Memorial Park Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas. Visitation with the family will be held immediately prior to the memorial service at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Memorial services will be scheduled in Natchez, Mississippi at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staff of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for their kind and

compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be given to Grace Flights, Addison, Texas; Can Care, Inc., Houston, Texas; or your local Humane Society.

You may share your memories of Van with her family at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home and Cemetery, Pflugerville, TX.