Jennifer Louise Ball

Jennifer Louise Ball Jennifer Louise Ball passed away on July 5, 2010, surrounded by family at Cornerstone Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was born on September 4, 1965, in Camden, SC. She attended Anderson High School in Austin and graduated from The University of Texas with a BA in Art History. Jennifer enjoyed living in several places, including Los Angeles, CA, and Wanganui, New Zealand. Jennifer was diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in 1986 and spent the rest of her life battling the disease. She loved flowers, fine art, children, cats, crossword puzzles, music, holidays, gift-giving, volunteer work, travel, and chocolate. Jennifer is survived by her partner, Shawn M. McKinney of Austin; her father, John G. (Pete) Ball of Dallas; her mother, Dephanie Louise Cates; sister, Susan Elizabeth Ball; niece, Jennifer Lynn Cabiya; sister, Rachel Alison Ball; and brother, Buckley Parks, all of Austin; and cousins, Karen Salley of Austin and Michael Salley of Ruston, LA. Family and friends will remember Jennifer's unwavering spirit, beautiful smile, and kind heart. The family thanks the many doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for Jennifer at MD Anderson Cancer Center, along with those at Cornerstone Hospital who supported her and her family through her final days. Special thanks to everyone at The Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International, many of whom Jennifer befriended and who in turn often expressed their care and concern. And a special thank you to Robert Gagel, MD, who served Jennifer as a remarkable primary physician and steadfast friend. In lieu of flowers, her family would be honored by a donation to the Jennifer Louise Ball Fund for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, Development Department, 1515 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held near her birthday at MD Anderson Chapel in Houston.