Virginia Irwin Maynard

Virginia Irwin Maynard is Home in Heaven after investing every day of her life on this earth loving others as Jesus loves us. She radiated JOY and believed that joy could prevail through any problem because of her steadfast Savior and a wide network of friends and family to support, help, forgive, and encourage with patience and love. She lived a rich, long life, touched many people, and met all the goals she secretly held in her heart. 

She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, and it was attending a particular Sunday School class “with an extra dimension” and going to dinners to hear personal faith stories that opened the door of her heart to Jesus in a different, life-changing way. With her husband John she participated in church mission trips to Costa Rica and Belize. She also invested in women’s ministry and whoever was sitting next to her in the pew.

Virginia graduated from The University of Texas with a B.S. in Home Economics and her occupational goal in life was to be a good wife and mother. She excelled! She was a PTA leader, room mother, Scout leader, Sandie football booster, and Sunday Schoolteacher. She seized every opportunity to cheer on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

With her husband, John she helped organize the first Amarillo Young Life Club believing that Christianity has the answers young people need—and the first meetings were held in the Maynard living room. 

Perhaps she is most famous for her gingerbread cookie ministry distributing every shape and size, far and wide—as a source of encouragement, congratulations, prayers, and love. She was a loyal member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and just last week Amarillo Kappa sisters presented her with her 75-year pin. She was also a spirited UT Longhorn college football fan and would begin many Saturdays with the question, “What games are on today?” 

With a great spirit of adventure, Virginia loved to travel, enjoy the New Mexico cabin, attend opera, the arts, and play bridge. She never stopped moving, be it swimming laps, walks in the park, aerobics, tennis, and generally tap-dancing through life. 

Among her many civic and philanthropic volunteer commitments were Heal the City, Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church, Director Emeritus for Cal Farley Boys Ranch, The Junior League, Opportunity School Board and Trustee for The Children’s Home.

She was raised with love and strong values by Walter Roy Irwin and Edna Dixon Irwin and deeply loved her brother Bill and sister Louise. She is the proud great-granddaughter of Billy Dixon.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Maynard Swick and husband Bert, and their children, Abigail Swick Gabrels and husband Chris, and their children, Ethan, Emma, and Ella; John Maynard Swick and wife Maggie, and their children, Clara, Henry, and Charlie; Anna Swick McVae and husband Bryan, and their son, James. Her son, John I. Maynard and wife Elise Shelton Maynard; and their children, David and Malvina Maynard, and their children, Ella, Jack, and Marlo; Katy and Brandon Guinn, and their children, Harlan and Wheeler; Virginia and Eric Yetter, and their children, Jim, Lucy, Lainey; Rachel and Jim McDougall and their children, Shelton, Billings, and Mac. Her son, Tom Dixon Maynard. Her daughter, Martha Maynard. 

Special thanks to her friend and caregiver, Lupita Gutierrez, and caregivers Jane, Evette, Iona, Rebecca, L J, David, and Bob.

Donations in Virginia’s honor may be made to any of her favorite charities, Heal the City, Young Life Amarillo, or to the First Presbyterian Mission Fund. 

The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Murray Gossett and Rev. Howard Griffin officiating. The burial will be private. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Virginia Maynard had a heart for Jesus and a smile that would light up a room.