Virginia Fulmer

Virginia Lee Fulmer, 89, of Smithville, peacefully passed away on April 23, 2019 at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center.

Virginia was born in Pin Oak, Texas to Clara (Meuth) and Willie Paul Karisch in September 22, 1929. She went to Winchester Schools and graduated from Giddings High School. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as an operator in Freeport, Texas while living with her aunt and uncle Irene and Denson Weems, before transferring back to the Smithville area. After moving back to Smithville, she met the love of her life, James Wayne Fulmer, and they were married on February 17, 1950. Wayne was an avid motorcylist and Virginia loved riding with him on his Harleys.

Virginia and Wayne were saddened by the loss of their first child, James Paul, in December of 1954. Their only daughter, Dinah Lynne was born in January of 1956. Virginia continued working for Southwestern Bell until the phones “went dial” in the early ‘60s. When Wayne’s career path led him to become General Chairman for the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, the family moved to Denison, Texas. After his first term of 4 years, they decided that they needed to move back due to missing Smithville and their family and friends, so Wayne gave the BRT an ultimatum: he was moving the office, or they lost him. Needless to say, the office and the Fulmers returned to Smithville in February of 1967. Virginia was home once again right around the corner from her father and close to her brother Ernest, sister Delores (Burns), and their families.

After returning to Smithville, Virginia worked with Wayne in the BRT office and on the farm. Unfortunately, Wayne’s time was limited as he passed from cancer in August of 1972. Virginia was determined to keep the farm going and she and Dinah continued to run the farm until 1977. She also worked for the City of Smithville as a Police Dispatcher 1976 to 1985.

In early 1985, Virginia officially retired to become full time grandma (“Nan”) as her first granddaughter, Ashley Wayne Breeden, was born. The family was heartbroken over Ashley’s early demise in July of 1985 due to a heart condition. Dinah and Chuck had Virginia’s first grandson, James Wayne Breeden, in June 1986, followed by her granddaughter Valerie Claire Lynne in August of 1989.

Her grandchildren became her entire focus in life. She was constantly involved in their school and home activities, ensured the grandkids properly experienced “country life,” and basically spoiled them rotten. She moved back to the family farm in 2001 alongside Dinah, Chuck, and the family, and continued to be a major part of their family life. Her daily family suppers will forever be remembered. Virginia was blessed with becoming a great-grandmother with the birth of James and Amanda’s first son, Riley James, in May of 2013, and daughter Kennedy Grace in January of 2017.

Virginia’s health began declining due to ongoing respiratory issues, diabetic complications, and dementia, and she joined the family at Towers Nursing Home in January of 2016. She consistently enjoyed coming home on selected weekends and holidays and to visit family and great-grandchild events through the years as her health allowed. She continued to practice her Catholic faith through mass at Towers and ongoing prayer.

Virginia absolutely cherished her time with family and was completely devoted to them. She will always be fondly remembered by anyone who crossed her path and will be greatly missed by all.

Virginia is preceded in death by her mother, Clara Rose Meuth, father, William Paul Karisch, husband, James Wayne Fulmer, brother, Ernest William Karisch, infant son, James Paul Fulmer, and great-granddaughter Ashley Wayne Breeden. She is survived by her daughter, Dinah and spouse, Charles Breeden, granddaughter Valerie Breeden, grandson James Breeden and spouse Amanda Breeden, great-grandchildren Riley James and Kennedy Grace Breeden, her sister Delores Karisch Burns, sister-in-law Katherine Pesl Karisch and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers are Jeff Burns, Steve Dawson, Ernest Karisch, Jr., Ethan Karisch, Dalton Dawson, Jake Dawson, Cade Courtemanche.

The celebration of her long and full life will begin with family and friends fellowship. Friends and family may pay their respects to Virginia and visit the family on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at 5:00 PM, at All Faiths of the Pines, 110 American Legion Rd, Smithville. Rosary to follow visitation at 7:00 PM at All Faiths. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 203 Mills St, Smithville, at 10:00 AM, Monday April 29, with church visitation to begin at 9:30 AM. Graveside services and interment will follow mass services at Oak Hill Cemetery, Smithville. Fellowship and light meal to follow interment at St. Pauls’ Parish Hall.