Genevieve Taber Desola

Genny Taber deSola 

Genevieve Taber deSola, age 78, of Houston, Texas, passed away on September 28, 2026, after a brave 8-month battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma). Genevieve Wall Taber (Genny) was born on August 27, 1948, to William and Genevieve Taber in Jackson, Tennessee and grew up in Jackson. Genny attended Jackson High School and the Lausanne School for Girls in Memphis, graduating from Lausanne in 1966. Genny then attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she studied Art. During her time at SMU, Genny met and began dating Ray deSola of Caracas, Venezuela who was also attending SMU. Genny and Ray married on July 25, 1969.

Genny and Ray lived in Dallas for the next several years where their daughter Deborah Elizabeth was born. Ray, Genny, and Debbie moved to Ray’s hometown of Caracas in 1972 where Genny became a fluent Spanish speaker with the help of friends and Ray’s family. The family grew in 1975 when Ray and Genny’s second daughter Christine Marie was born. Genny and family then lived in Jackson and New Jersey before moving to Houston in 1981. Genny and family began attending Champion Forest Baptist Church in the fall of 1981 and Genny soon became involved in Precept Bible study at Champion Forest. Precept was a huge part of Genny’s life for many years and she taught classes until very recently.

Genny was also involved as a Prayer Captain in the Prayer Ministry at Champion Forest and many people were blessed by her prayers and notes of encouragement. Beginning in the mid-1980s, she used her Spanish skills when she became a part of the Spanish ministry at Champion Forest and was a friend to many within that group. Genny’s life changed dramatically when Ray suffered a major stroke in September 2009 which led to many caretaking responsibilities during the years that followed. After Ray’s stroke, Ray and Genny began attending the Spanish worship service at Champion Forest and the Cambiando Vidas Sunday School class while Genny continued her involvement with Precept.

During the summer of 2025, Ray’s health declined rapidly and Genny became a full-time caretaker for Ray. After several hospitalizations and a short stay in memory care Ray went home to be with the Lord on October 8, 2025. A seizure during a trip to Colorado in late January 2026 led to Genny’s glioblastoma diagnosis and months of treatment including surgery, radiation, hospital stays, and eventually full-time care at Christy’s home. Genny maintained a cheerful disposition and positive attitude through it all.

Some of Genny’s many interests included cooking, traveling, puzzles, eating out, concerts, and classic films. During her last months she especially enjoyed watching Astros games and Hallmark movies too. Genny was an encourager and many friends and family were blessed by her notes, cards, and phone calls. Genny’s strong faith in Christ was evident to all and she often had a Bible verse or word of encouragement to share. One of her favorite roles was as “Grammy” to her 4 grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their dance, theater, and sporting events over the years.

The family would like to thank Simoneaux Medical caregivers for the loving and attentive care they provided for Genny throughout her illness.

Genny was preceded in death by her husband, Ray deSola, parents, William and Genevieve Taber, and sister, Polly Carter. She is very missed by her daughter, Debbie Southerland and husband Nathan of Franktown, Colorado; daughter, Christy Crandall and husband Paul of Katy; and grandchildren Will Southerland, Abby Gatz and husband Cole, Jack Crandall, and Jonathan Crandall. Genny is also survived by her brother, Bill Taber of Nashville, Tennessee, brother-and sister-in-law Ken and Mercy Rock of Fort Collins, Colorado, and her cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Genny’s life and faith in Christ will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 6 pm in the chapel at Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner-Airline Road, Houston, TX 77069 with a reception to follow. Donations may also be made in Genny’s honor to the Spanish Ministry at Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner-Airline Road, Houston, TX 77069 or https://championforest.org/serve/giving.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.