Virginia Love Searcy was born July 10, 1935 in Dallas, Texas to James U Searcy and Alice Jewel Poston-Searcy.  She had one sister, Sandra Ann Shaw (Lois Rollin, Jr).  Paternal grandparents were Arthur Osburn Searcy and Velma Love Wright-Searcy; maternal grandparents were Luke Oliver Poston and Johnne Virginia Campbell-Poston.

Virginia married HL Powell and raised three loving and committed sons who all took part in and charge of her care until she passed: James Lee Powell (Stephanie), David Alan Powell and Gregory Wayne Powell (Karen).  Six grandchildren: Leigh Powell-Hood (Zach); Daniel Wayne Powell, Benjamin Lee Powell (Toby); Christopher Adam Powell (Blythe); Joseph Nathaniel Powell; and Michael Timothy Powell (Carmel). These grandchildren loved and continued to call, connect and stay a huge part of her life throughout – they also gave her the sweetest and best GREATS!: Twins Mason & Maddox and Isabel 'Bella' Hood (Leigh/Zach), Daniel, Wesley, Isaac, Collin (Daniel), Mya, Eve (Benjamin/Toby), Waverly (Christopher/Blythe) and Colton (Joseph).

Virginia received her middle name, Love, from her paternal grandmother, Velma Love 'Lovie' and has lived out that name well throughout her life.  Now her great-granddaughter, Waverly Love is carrying on this honor.

Virginia reconnected with High School sweetheart, Guy Phil Rennaker (Phil) and they married when she was 61 years of age…a true love story.  She stepped in to be a special, 'bonus' mom to Phil's sons: Phil Jr, Gregg (now deceased) and Brian (Deborah) with several grands and greats!

Phil and Virginia doted on family and it is this family writing the following tribute to this amazing life and lady.

Virginia Love Rennaker was one of the sweetest ladies you would have ever known. She would always want to have everyone over and cook dinner; she would also wait on us hand and foot (yes, we were spoiled) the entire time. She was a grandma that wanted you to feel welcomed and loved in her life, but even more than that, she wanted to be a part of your life. She would show that by coming to your games, making you dinner, always calling, and constantly worrying (this one was more of a joke, but she was constantly worrying about people and wanted to ensure everyone was ok).

I knew it was coming, but it does not make it easier; I feel sad bt also relieved that she is not in pain/lonely (she would tell me she was lonely on the phone) or confused anymore. I have a knot in my stomach, but not sure what it is or if I will just take time to grieve. I think the thing I hold on to is that Grandma lived a good life, full of love and a lot of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green peas (dad's favorite that she made often); she knew how to live and showed us how to love, and we were blessed to know her and have her in our lives for as long as we did.

Gratitude is what comes to mind when I think of Nana Love. I'm just so incredibly grateful. I'm grateful to have been loved so fiercely. I know that woman would do anything for me, and she did. Admittedly, I was spoiled rotten. We all were when we were at Grandma's.

Gratitude is the feeling I have knowing for a FACT that she loved Jesus so well. There's truly no better feeling than knowing she's with her Savior and free from pain, suffering, and loneliness.

Gratitude is knowing she's been reunited with the love of her life - it would not be right to write a post about Virginia without talking about Phil. Phil was EVERYTHING to her.

They were perfect for each other. He treated her like an absolute queen, and no one more deserving than her. He loved her with every ounce of his being, and she was lonely without him by her side. That love was just too great to not be lonely when we lost him.

I'm grateful to have learned so much about grief from Nana. It's nothing you ever want to learn about, but it's something we all face. She faced it so poised, purposefully, and truthfully. She didn't hold back when it got hard. Little did I know she was teaching me the exact things I was going to need as she passes on. The exact things I need today and the upcoming days and weeks as I learn to live in a world without my sweet, caring, loving Grandma.

I loved Grandma Gin as though she were my own grandmother.  I lost my Granny Rose when I was pregnant with Mya and I felt like Grandma Gin stepped in when I needed her to, in effort to fill that void.  I appreciated her and loved her very much.  I'm so glad she is with Phil again and know she will be watching over all of us.

Grandma loved to talk baseball.  She would always ask me if I watched last night's Ranger game.  She knew everything that happened and would complain about coaching decisions and things that happened.

I remember calling her and she would give me the updates on all the Ranger games for the week!

Totally agree with all who said she'd cook for you, knew your favorites (meatloaf, mashed potatoes & peas), kept them handy and basically spoil you…she was involved with all school events and attended all of our games.  As others have pointed out, she would also worry hard over you – making you promise to call when you 'arrived' (or she would call, reminding you that you hadn't).  This lasted well into my 60's!  This always frustrated me…but now I will miss making those calls…

My Sister, My Friend…Virginia was 6 ½ years old when I barged into her world, so she started taking care of me from the first in so many ways…and sometimes because Mom or Dad said so!!!  Or they said, 'Take her with you!!'

As time passed, our sisterhood became a friendship and this began a new chapter in our lives.  We helped each other walk through this life, good, bad, happy and sad times, weathering all as they came and went.  We talked, we laughed, played games, cooked dinner, ate cookies and always said 'I love you'.  One thing you didn't want to do, though, was allow us to drive you – you would be LOST!

As I write this, there are so many memories we have shared…O my goodness, I miss you already!  The last time we talked, you said 'O what a wonderful day to see Jesus…and Phil will be there too!'  I know you are happy!

I love you my sister, my friend.  I will see you in the Sweet By & By when we meet on that Beautiful Shore!

You have taught me patience, acceptance and how to love family.  You've given me the sweetest gift of my life.  Thank you.

You will be missed more than ever imagined.  I will love you forever…

We all will.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either

First Baptist Church, Midlothian or

The Breast Cancer Foundation.

Thank you.

The funeral service will be 10:00AM Thursday, September 15, 2022

with visitation starting at 9:00AM.

Burial will follow at Dallas / Fort Worth National Cemetery.