Lillian Leatrice (Schmidt) Gafford was a 1956 graduate from New Braunfels High School and the Alamo College of Beauty, in San Antonio, Texas. She worked several years as a beautician before transitioning into her natural role as stay at home wife and mom to her three precious children. After her children were all in school, she worked for a short while as an administrative assistant in the Dickinson Independent School District.
As matriarch of a large immediate and blended family, Lillian was founder of the coveted “Tuna Bunch”.
Lillian was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a special friend and gifted encourager to all she met.
This morning as I was reflecting on Lillian’s life I couldn’t help but thinking of her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:8. This was her life. This is the way I saw her conduct herself day in - day out. She was never one to focus on politics or any other divisive influences in our society. She was even able to ignore my rantings about those things and my screaming at the TV during sporting events when the coaches and players were nowhere nearly as smart as I was. Those things had no lovely place in her life. What she did focus on was her family. She was the ultimate “mom”. She loved her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids more than life itself. She never saw herself as a teacher yet she taught more through her actions and demeanor than the best of scholars. She never saw herself as an encourager yet she touched countless lives through her loving smile and compassionate heart. She never saw herself as a soul winner yet she shared the plan of salvation in every aspect of her daily walk. Lillian was an example of Philippians 4:8 at its best.
I sat here today watching part of Mom’s service.. the slideshow mainly. What a beautiful lady who raised her family well to love her greatly! She was classy and seemed all-around perfect! There were no outsiders with her.. she genuinely loved everyone in her path and made them feel like the most important. I can’t believe she has been away so long, but I have this great peace that she was loved well here on earth and is now rejoicing in the presence of God. I’m so proud of Dad as he carries on and lives out the rest of their legacy. What a privilege it was to be her son!
My MeeMaw was just the most beautiful woman inside and out. She taught me the importance of looking like lady and dressing nice to leave the house, but more importantly she was an example of what Godly beauty on the INSIDE looked like.❤️ She built a beautiful family and a beautiful legacy.
Lillian Gafford's Celebration Service
