Virginia Sinor
Virginia Ruth Meyer Sinor died on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 95.
Born on April 16, 1926 in Chattanooga, Virginia was the oldest of six children of the late William Christian Meyer and Linda Hildegarde Meyer. Virginia’s father was a farmer and her mother focused on raising Virginia and her five brothers. Growing up, Virginia loved hiking to the side of the mountain with her siblings and swimming. Virginia graduated from Central High School, where she was the salutatorian. She worked her way through Ohio Wesleyan University and graduated with a B.A. in English Literature. She attended graduate school at Columbia University in New York City for a Master’s Degree in Social Work. When her mother died, Virginia left Columbia after her first year and returned to Chattanooga to help raise her youngest brother.
Virginia married Thomas Eugene Sinor of Cleveland, Tennessee in 1952 in Chattanooga. They had four children: Madeleine Sinor, Julie Sinor Aring, Justin Sinor and Hallie Sinor. Professionally, Virginia Sinor gave her entirety to protect children within Hamilton County as a child welfare worker and supervisor. She retired at 72 years old. Virginia was an active member at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she worshipped for more than 60 years. Virginia enjoyed spending time with family and friends above all else. Virginia enjoyed hiking and she hiked Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains many times. Virginia was an outstanding cook, celebrating cast iron, green vegetables and new recipes. She was an avid reader, active in two book clubs. She competed in U.S. Masters Swimming, including the Senior Olympics, well into her 80s across the country. She won the national open water one mile swim in her sixties. Virginia loved waking up, making biscuits, being alive, and showing kindness to everyone. Friendship was central to Virginia’s happiness and she had treasured intergenerational friendships which lasted for decades.
In addition to her four children, Virginia Sinor is survived by her two grandchildren, Vivien Jeanne Marguarite Sinor Douglas and Tabitha Sea Sinor Goldman.
She is also survived by her nephews and niece: Craig Meyer, Brent Meyer, William Meyer, Linda Meyer Slaten, Mark Meyer, and Eric Meyer.
Virginia was preceded in death by Thomas Eugene Sinor and her five brothers, William Henry Meyer, Ervin Meyer, Jack Aring Meyer, James Meyer, and George Meyer.
A memorial service celebrating Virginia Sinor’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in June. Due to the church’s pandemic protocols, the service will be by invitation only.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, which provides transportation services for elderly individuals.
End of life services are being provided by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn., 423 531-3975.