Virginia “Ginny” Hollis was at Camp Mystic when the July 4 flood killed more than two dozen campers, counselors and the co-owner.
BELLVILLE, Texas — Another Camp Mystic camper from the Greater Houston was escorted home to Bellville today by law enforcement agencies from that area.
The body of 8-year-old Virginia “Ginny” Hollis was found along the Guadalupe River earlier this week, more than a week after the catastrophic July 4 floods. She and at least 27 other campers and counselors from Camp Mystic were swept away. Several of the victims were from the Houston area.
The Bellville Police Department and Austin County Sheriff’s Office were among the agencies who escorted Virginia home on Wednesday. They shared the procession route from San Antonio to the Schmidt Funeral Home and encouraged people along the way to wear green and line the streets as it passed by.
‘Pure, joyful soul’
Social media posts about Virginia describe her as a cowgirl who loved rodeo and her horse, Salt Valley.
“She was proud to cover him when he bucked and bragged she was a saddle bronc rider like her Grandpa,” her dad shared.
A GoFundMe.com account set up by family friends on behalf of the family said Virginia was a first-time camper and a pure, joyful soul who lit up every room.
“She loved fishing as much as she loved gardening, playing piano as much as painting, and the color pink as much as she loved the Astros. She was brave, curious, and full of life.”
The little girl also loved golf, exploring nature and babysitting her little sister, Sienna.
“Virginia was gentle, kind, and had an infectious smile. Named after her mother and grandmother, she grew up in a line of strong Texas women, and that strength showed up front and center in our sweet Virginia.”