Williamson County (TX) Genealogical Society

In Memoriam

Judy Belle Horick June 2, 1938 - September 14, 2022    Find a Grave Memorial
Judith Belle ("Judy Belle") Clark Horick died on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, surrounded by her adoring family, after a fifteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Judy Belle was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on June 2, 1938. Her father was Kenneth Leo Clark (March 15, 1907-July 12, 2003) and her mother was Ruth Marie Miller Clark (March 13, 1915- October 1, 2011.) Both her parents were natives of Moberly, Missouri and were excellent bridge players and avid antique collectors.
Judy Belle's father, "Ken" Clark, was a civil engineer who worked for the Chicago Milwaukee Saint Paul and Pacific railroad line (commonly called the "Milwaukee Road"), which ran from Chicago to the west coast. Judy Belle's early years were spent in several homes along the route of the Milwaukee Road. However, when she reached the age to enter high school, her mother thought it best that the family settle in Elmhurst, Illinois, so that Judy Belle could attend the excellent high school there.
Judy Belle was a good student and was accepted into several universities, but she surprised many by choosing the University of Montana (formerly called Montana State University). One basis of her choice was this institution's location at one of the most distant cities from Chicago along the Milwaukee Road, about 1600 miles from her home in the Chicago suburbs. Other advantages included beautiful scenery and a very favorable ratio of male to female students. As the daughter of a Milwaukee Railroad official, Judy Belle was able to ride the train between school and home in a chair car at no charge, but Judy Belle quickly learned to bargain with the sleeping car conductors to obtain a favorable rate to ride in a Pullman sleeping car. She remained a skilled negotiator for the rest of her life.
After graduating with a degree in English Literature, Judy Belle moved to Chicago, where she worked as an assistant to the Dean of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. There she met Robert Allan (Bob) Horick, then a graduate student of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Chicago. In January, 1965, Judy Belle and Bob married in a small ceremony held in Judy's parents' living room in Itasca, Illinois, witnessed by her parents, some old family friends, and the Clarks' pet rabbit, Frowzy. Bob subsequently received a Fulbright-Hayes Fellowship to spend the academic year 1965-66 in Moscow, USSR, at the Moscow State University. Judy Belle was by then pregnant and could not accompany Bob to the USSR, so the couple's good friends from Germany, Prof. Dr. Dietrich Menzel and his wife Hilde helped Judy Belle establish residence in Darmstadt, (West) Germany. Bob took a short leave of absence from his studies in Moscow to come to Darmstadt for the birth of their first child, Robert Allan Horick, Jr., in February of 1966.
When Bob finished his work in Moscow, the family made a splendid tour of Europe. Subsequently, on their return to the USA, the couple lived in West Lafayette, Indiana, then in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where their daughter, Nora Kathryn, was born in 1977. Later the family moved to Cedar Rapids, IA, and finally in 1983 they settled in Georgetown, Texas, where Judy Belle worked as a legal assistant to Marjorie Herbert for many years and Bob became the first director of Academic Computing at Southwestern University. Bob retired in 1999, and Judy Belle joined Bob in retirement in 2002.
Judy Belle was an avid gardener, and she enjoyed attending regular performances of the Austin Symphony and Austin Opera with Bob and friends. She became interested in genealogy and joined the Williamson County Genealogy Society, where she served as an officer and editor of the Society's newsletter. She did extensive research in the history of her family: the Millers, the Bordwines, and the Clarks. She also contributed considerably to the study of the family trees of the Horick and Howser families. Judy Belle is survived by her husband, Bob Horick, of Georgetown, TX; her son, Bob Horick, Jr. and his wife, Ann Horick, of Tyler, TX; her daughter, Nora Horick, and her husband, Shashi Murthy, of Newton, MA; and her grandchildren, Hannah
Horick, of Odessa, TX; Leah Horick, of Jonah, TX; Leo Murthy and Julia Murthy, of Newton, MA.
Those who might wish to make contributions in her honor are invited to consider one or more of the following organizations: The Williamson County Genealogical Society, Southwestern University, or the San Gabriel Chorale (a 501C3 non-profit musical performance organization.)
 
John F. Marostica  June 6, 1951 - October 5, 2020   Find A Grave Memorial
 
John Francis Marostica was born on June 6, 1951 and passed away on October 5, 2020 and is under the care of Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
He was the president of Williamson County Genealogy Society and will be missed by all of our members. He led the public meetings and the Board meetings, so he was a constant presence. We all suffered with him when he lost his wife recently and now we all will try to carry on with our Society without him.
 
Jean H. Marostica June 29, 1950 - March 30, 2019   Find A Grave Memorial
 
Jean Harr Marostica born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on June 29, 1950 to Kenneth Harr and Lela Mae McGown Harr was taken by our Lord on morning of March 30, 2019. Her death was sudden and unexpected. Her doctors had an aggressive plan to fight her cancer and believed they would to be able to cure her cancer.
 
Jean is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Davis Harr and mother, Lela Mae Harr. She is survived by her husband, John Francis Marostica, her brother, Harry K Harr and his wife Jean Ann Harr. John and Jean were married on June 10, 1972 at Crestview United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas.
 
 
Joseph Glenn Jennings October 22, 1972 - July 14, 2018  
 
Joseph Glenn "Joe" Jennings Joe Jennings, beloved husband, father, son and family member went to be with Jesus on July 14, 2018 at age 45.
 
His sudden death in a vehicle accident has stunned and bereaved many who knew and loved him. Joe was a news producer, filmmaker and artist with an undeniable warmth, wit and humor that drew people to him. His larger than life personality ensured a large swath of friends in life, all of whom will sorely miss his infectious laugh and gentle spirit. He loved children and family and was the first to laugh, the first to help and always had an open door.
 
He leaves behind his loving wife Janelle Maureen Jennings and four children; Gabriella, Maximillian, Liliana and Vivienne. Joe was the youngest son (born in San Antonio, TX October 22, 1972) of Glenn (deceased) and Camelia Jennings of Georgetown, TX. Joe lived by the teachings of Jesus and interacted with a loving and worshipful church family. 
 
Norm Taliaferro (1934-2016)    Find A Grave Memorial
 
Beauford "Norm" Norborne Taliaferro Jr., 82, of Georgetown, Texas, went to be with our Lord and Savior on September 8, 2016. Norm was born in Sherman, Texas on April 26, 1934.
 
Upon graduating from Sherman High School, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea. After careers in both the Army and the Airforce, he attended Oklahoma State University on the GI bill, and graduated with a degree in Geology. Fate eventually led him to Houston, Texas where he said his life really began when he met his loving wife, Ruth Pfeifer Taliaferro. They were wed in Houston on January 26, 1974. Soon after, their son Daniel Taliaferro was born to complete their happy family.
 
Along with raising his family, he had a long career working for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. He also had a passion for studying family history and genealogy, which he continued well into retirement.
 
Norm was well known as a loving Husband and Father who valued his family above all else. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ruth Taliaferro; his son, Danny Taliaferro; daughter-in-law, Beth Taliaferro; and his three grandchildren, Madelyn, Wyatt and Connor Taliaferro.
 
The family received guests for a time of visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2016 at the Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown with a reciting of the rosary at 7 p.m. A reception at the funeral home's Southwestern Room will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church in Georgetown. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown, Texas.
 
Published in The Herald Democrat on Sept. 13, 2016
 
Bettie Jackson, Life Member
23 June 1915 - 24 August 2014
 
It is with great sorrow I inform you of the death of my beloved stepmother, Bettie Jackson. She died early this morning in her bed in her residence at the Good Samaritan White Acres Home in El Paso, Texas. I was with her, along with her daughter Carolyn's daughters, Christie, Dottie and Marcia, and Christie’s partner Lori, the last few days of her life. Blessed with personal and professional skills in home care, the four of them lovingly attended to her every need 24/7, until Bettie died.
 
In spite of her age, 99, a number she would never have admitted to, she had been until quite recently in pretty good health. She spent most of the month of December up in Alaska with her granddaughter Christie. She flew in a pontoon plane, rode a boat into a nature preserve and did so many other things as well, loving every moment.
 
This was so typical for Bettie. Just a few years ago, when she was only 96, she attended my daughter Megan's wedding and was still going strong talking to anyone and everyone late into the evening long after I had crashed, completely exhausted!
 
Bettie was low maintenance. Not so long ago I met her at the Spokane airport, and we spent the next two weeks traveling together. We first visited with my daughter Tamara and her family, and then we flew to Seattle where we spent time with two couples that were somehow connected to my father's branch of the family tree which, of course, Bettie knew a great deal more about than I did. She was always up and ready to go, immaculately attired, full of energy and never complained, except that is for when I annoyed her. Put simply, Bettie was just flat out fun to be with. 
 
In spite of the tragic loses and sorrows that struck so many of those she loved dearly in her lifetime, she was able to maintain a positive outlook about life in general and her loved ones in particular. It is extraordinary, really, the depth to which she loved each and every one of us. She asked for so little and gave so much. 
 
Bettie was a rare and remarkable force for good everywhere she went. I have not felt that strongly about many in my life and wish she could have heard me say it one more time before she died. However, even if she had, she would have dismissed my feelings as silly nonsense. But of course, they are not--
 
Mike
 
Linda Rose Emry, Life Member
Saturday, January 3, 2015
 
Linda, age 71, died surrounded by her loved ones at home in Round Rock, Texas, on January 3, 2015. Linda was born on July 12 1943 in Chandler, Oklahoma to James Lee Williford and Rose Ellen (Smith) Williford. She spent her childhood in Oklahoma, graduating from Pond Creek High School and going on to attend Oklahoma State University. She finished her education at the University of Houston, where she earned a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics.
 
On May 29, 1963 she married the love of her life, Carl A. Emry, Jr. Together, they raised two children; Jennifer Lyn (Emry) Womble and Steven Alton Emry. Linda was blessed to be a homemaker, caring for her family and enjoying her many hobbies and projects, including cross stitch, crochet and calligraphy. From the time she graduated high school, she accompanied the church choir in each place she lived, finally spending more than 30 years serving at First United Methodist Church Round Rock. She and Carl shared love of music made for many musical productions and memories.
 
Linda's second love was genealogy. She was a Charter Member of the Williamson County Genealogical Society, serving as Treasurer and Editor of its quarterly publication, The Chisholm Trail, for over 25 years. She spent countless hours researching not only her own family lines, but those of future and new family members and clients as well. The beautiful books filled with research and family snapshots she created with love and passion now serve as treasured heirlooms for her family and many others.
 
Linda is survived by her daugther, Jennifer Womble and husband Lynn, grandchildren Ashley Rose Bobo, Jordan Carlye Womble, and Trey Womble, and great-grandson Daxton Kade Emry, all of Round Rock, Texas; son Steven Alton Emry; brother Richard L. Williford and wife Christine of Rockford, IL; brother-in-law Fred Emry and wife Karen of Marietta, GA; sister-in-law Avis Kearney and husband Jack of El Cajon, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
 
Anne K. Eacono
1941-2014
 
Anne K. Eacono, 73, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014. Visitation will be held at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, 393 North IH 35, Georgetown on December 18, 2014, from 6PM to 8PM.  Funeral services celebrating Anne's life were held on Friday, December 19, at 2:30 p.m. at Gabriel Oaks Chruch of Christ, 408 West Morrow Street, Georgetown, with Preacher Shawn Montandon officiating.  Interment will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Georgetown.
 
Anne was born on April 12, 1941, in Hidalgo County, to Jesse and Annie Lilly. She graduated from Harlingen High School in the class of 1959 before continuing her studies at Texas A&I College, where she graduated in 1962.
 
On June 7, 1964, she married Sal Eacono in La Jolla, California, with whom she shared the joys of life together for 50 years.  With stops in San Jose, California, and Florida, she arrived with Sal and their family in Austin in 1976, where she taught school in Round Rock ISD.  She enjoyed a second career as a senior programmer for IBM until her retirement.  In her spare time she enjoyed genealogy and traveling, in addition to her association with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
 
Her husband said the 50 years of their marriage were blessed. Together, they always agreed that they had a wonderful life together; full of joy and happiness. They had fun doing many things together.  Sal would say that "their life together was one great adventure that would forever hold the greatest memories."
 
She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Joseph; and her brothers, Wallace and Ken Lilly.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Sal; daughters, Alyssa Eacono and Gia Gillis (David); granddaughters, Elena and Ava Gillis; sisters, Barbara Davidson and Gail Hill, and other loving family and friends.  Personal memories and words of comfort may be sent to the family through the online guestbook at www.gabrielsfuneral.com.
 
Published in The Sunday Sun (Williamson County, TX) 21 December 2014
Anne K. Eacono, 73, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014. Visitation will be held at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, 393 North IH 35, Georgetown on December 18, 2014, from 6PM to 8PM. Funeral services celebrating Anne's life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014, at 2:30 PM at Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ, 408 West Morrow St, Georgetown, TX, with Preacher Shawn Montandon officiating. Interment will follow at IOOF Cemetery in Georgetown. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?pid=173508616#sthash.cRHA4IDF.dpuf
Anne K. Eacono, 73, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014. Visitation will be held at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, 393 North IH 35, Georgetown on December 18, 2014, from 6PM to 8PM. Funeral services celebrating Anne's life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014, at 2:30 PM at Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ, 408 West Morrow St, Georgetown, TX, with Preacher Shawn Montandon officiating. Interment will follow at IOOF Cemetery in Georgetown. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?pid=173508616#sthash.cRHA4IDF.dpuf
Anne K. Eacono, 73, of Georgetown, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014. Visitation will be held at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, 393 North IH 35, Georgetown on December 18, 2014, from 6PM to 8PM. Funeral services celebrating Anne's life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014, at 2:30 PM at Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ, 408 West Morrow St, Georgetown, TX, with Preacher Shawn Montandon officiating. Interment will follow at IOOF Cemetery in Georgetown. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?pid=173508616#sthash.cRHA4IDF.dpuf
 
Lawrence E. Warren, Life Member
May 2, 1922 - November 8, 2013
 
Lawrence E. Warren, 91, of Georgetown, passed away November 8, 2013 with loving family at his side. Known to most as "Peanut," he was born on May 2, 1922 to William Oscar and Cora (Glenn) Warren of Round Rock. He was raised during the depression, quit school before graduating to help the family and worked fields picking cotton. He was also associated with the Civilian Conservation Corps before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1942. By April 1942, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Enterprise CV-6 (a.k.a. "The Big E" and "The Galloping Ghost"), and most decorated ship of WWII. He served in the 2nd and L Divisions through October 1945 and survived 18 major battles, including Midway, Guadalcanal, Santa Cruz and Iwo Jima. In 1946, he moved to Dallas and worked as a lineman for Texas Power and Light. During this time, he frequented a local diner where he met a cute little redheaded waitress named Helen Hutcherson. Flirting led to love and the two were married that same year on December 14th. Moving to Austin in 1954, they raised their two boys and he began a long career with the City of Austin Electric Department. Upon his retirement in 1983, Lawrence and Helen relocated to nearby Georgetown. Mr. Warren greatly enjoyed staying in touch with his buddies from the war and attending Enterprise reunions. He was particularly pleased in 2011 when his family sponsored a four day long National Reunion in Austin in his honor. Due to the increasing age of these veterans of our 'greatest generation,' and difficulty with traveling, it was to be the last of its kind, much like Peanut himself. Mr. Warren had a very sharp memory and also greatly enjoyed researching his ancestors, having documented many branches extending from the Warrens and Glenns. He could easily recall names, dates and relationships off the top of his head. While his body eventually gave out, his mind remained sharp and never failed him to the very end. Mr. Warren was an extremely patriotic individual and his love of country was evident. He proudly wore a "World War II Veteran" or 'Enterprise' cap garnished with the many ribbons and medals he earned during the war. He also never missed an opportunity to remind others of their patriotic duty of supporting the United States of America. Mr. Warren is survived by two sons, David Warren and wife Paulette of Fredericksburg, and Monroe Warren and wife Marty of Bartlett; granddaughter, Ann Warren Pierce and husband Deke of Austin; three great-grandchildren, Amber, Dalton and Chanse; brothers, Glenn Warren and wife May, and Bo Warren; sister, Beth McDonald; sister-in-laws, Dorothy Warren and Patsy Warren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. His friends are too numerous to mention, but each and every one was very special to him. Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife, Helen Warren; second wife, Bobbie Warren; brothers, Harold, Horace and Collie Warren; and sister, Opal McCann. Family and friends are invited to visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in the Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=lawrence-e-warren&pid=167962338&fhid=4302#sthash.Qodr7fUF.dpuf
Lawrence E. Warren, 91, of Georgetown, passed away November 8, 2013 with loving family at his side. Known to most as "Peanut," he was born on May 2, 1922 to William Oscar and Cora (Glenn) Warren of Round Rock. He was raised during the depression, quit school before graduating to help the family and worked fields picking cotton. He was also associated with the Civilian Conservation Corps before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1942. By April 1942, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Enterprise CV-6 (a.k.a. "The Big E" and "The Galloping Ghost"), and most decorated ship of WWII. He served in the 2nd and L Divisions through October 1945 and survived 18 major battles, including Midway, Guadalcanal, Santa Cruz and Iwo Jima. In 1946, he moved to Dallas and worked as a lineman for Texas Power and Light. During this time, he frequented a local diner where he met a cute little redheaded waitress named Helen Hutcherson. Flirting led to love and the two were married that same year on December 14th. Moving to Austin in 1954, they raised their two boys and he began a long career with the City of Austin Electric Department. Upon his retirement in 1983, Lawrence and Helen relocated to nearby Georgetown. Mr. Warren greatly enjoyed staying in touch with his buddies from the war and attending Enterprise reunions. He was particularly pleased in 2011 when his family sponsored a four day long National Reunion in Austin in his honor. Due to the increasing age of these veterans of our 'greatest generation,' and difficulty with traveling, it was to be the last of its kind, much like Peanut himself. Mr. Warren had a very sharp memory and also greatly enjoyed researching his ancestors, having documented many branches extending from the Warrens and Glenns. He could easily recall names, dates and relationships off the top of his head. While his body eventually gave out, his mind remained sharp and never failed him to the very end. Mr. Warren was an extremely patriotic individual and his love of country was evident. He proudly wore a "World War II Veteran" or 'Enterprise' cap garnished with the many ribbons and medals he earned during the war. He also never missed an opportunity to remind others of their patriotic duty of supporting the United States of America. Mr. Warren is survived by two sons, David Warren and wife Paulette of Fredericksburg, and Monroe Warren and wife Marty of Bartlett; granddaughter, Ann Warren Pierce and husband Deke of Austin; three great-grandchildren, Amber, Dalton and Chanse; brothers, Glenn Warren and wife May, and Bo Warren; sister, Beth McDonald; sister-in-laws, Dorothy Warren and Patsy Warren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. His friends are too numerous to mention, but each and every one was very special to him. Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife, Helen Warren; second wife, Bobbie Warren; brothers, Harold, Horace and Collie Warren; and sister, Opal McCann. Family and friends are invited to visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in the Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=lawrence-e-warren&pid=167962338&fhid=4302#sthash.Qodr7fUF.dpuf
Lawrence E. Warren, 91, of Georgetown, passed away November 8, 2013 with loving family at his side. Known to most as "Peanut," he was born on May 2, 1922 to William Oscar and Cora (Glenn) Warren of Round Rock. He was raised during the depression, quit school before graduating to help the family, and worked fields picking cotton. He was also associated with the Civilian Conservation Corps before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1942. By April 1942, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Enterprise CV-6 (a.k.a. "The Big E" and "The Galloping Ghost"), and most decorated ship of WWII. He served in the 2nd and L Divisions through October 1945 and survived 18 major battles, including Midway, Guadalcanal, Santa Cruz and Iwo Jima. In 1946, he moved to Dallas and worked as a lineman for Texas Power and Light. During this time, he frequented a local diner where he met a cute little redheaded waitress named Helen Hutcherson. Flirting led to love and the two were married that same year on December 14th. Moving to Austin in 1954, they raised their two boys and he began a long career with the City of Austin Electric Department. Upon his retirement in 1983, Lawrence and Helen relocated to nearby Georgetown. Mr. Warren greatly enjoyed staying in touch with his buddies from the war and attending Enterprise reunions. He was particularly pleased in 2011 when his family sponsored a four day long National Reunion in Austin in his honor. Due to the increasing age of these veterans of our 'greatest generation,' and difficulty with traveling, it was to be the last of its kind, much like Peanut himself. Mr. Warren had a very sharp memory and also greatly enjoyed researching his ancestors, having documented many branches extending from the Warrens and Glenns. He could easily recall names, dates and relationships off the top of his head. While his body eventually gave out, his mind remained sharp and never failed him to the very end. Mr. Warren was an extremely patriotic individual and his love of country was evident. He proudly wore a "World War II Veteran" or 'Enterprise' cap garnished with the many ribbons and medals he earned during the war. He also never missed an opportunity to remind others of their patriotic duty of supporting the United States of America. Mr. Warren is survived by two sons, David Warren and wife Paulette of Fredericksburg, and Monroe Warren and wife Marty of Bartlett; granddaughter, Ann Warren Pierce and husband Deke of Austin; three great-grandchildren, Amber, Dalton and Chanse; brothers, Glenn Warren and wife May, and Bo Warren; sister, Beth McDonald; sister-in-laws, Dorothy Warren and Patsy Warren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. His friends are too numerous to mention, but each and every one was very special to him. Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife, Helen Warren; second wife, Bobbie Warren; brothers, Harold, Horace and Collie Warren; and sister, Opal McCann. Family and friends are invited to visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in the Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.
 
Published in Austin American-Statesman from Nov. 12 to Nov. 13, 2013.
 
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=lawrence-e-warren&pid=167962338&fhid=4302#sthash.Qodr7fUF.dpuf
 
Bennie Stasney
August 18, 1942 - October 29, 2013
 
Bennie Lansford Stasny was born in Center, Texas on August 18, 1942. Her family moved to Orange early on, and she considered it to be her “hometown”. The family also moved to Houston, then Pasadena, where she graduated from high school. She made her way to the University of Texas at Austin where she met John Stasny, fell in love and got married in 1964 at the Old Taylor Brethren Church. She then received her BA in Journalism in 1965. Bennie and John raised a daughter and lived together happily in Austin for 49 years until her passing on October 29, 2013.

Bennie was filled with compassion and interest in others. Although her degree was in journalism, she found herself at the Texas Department of Human Services. She had a meaningful career, moving from Social Worker to Regional Administrator over her 31 years with The State of Texas.

Bennie and John loved to travel. They started as a young family with their daughter’s constant twirling competitions across the U.S. Once retired, they ventured out across to the United Kingdom – and once the couple got a taste of Europe, they went back every chance they got (twelve times over eighteen years, but mainly to the Czech Republic). Although Bennie did not speak or understand the Czech language, she always enjoyed being with John’s Czech friends and relatives. She truly learned to love the Czech culture.

The journalism degree proved to be an invaluable asset during Bennie’s retirement, as she worked endlessly with numerous genealogical societies, especially the Texas Czech Genealogical Society and the Czech Veteran’s Wall of Honor and Museum. She was constantly involved with meetings, conventions, fundraisers, and was author and/or editor of multiple books and articles.

Over the years, Bennie was an avid TV-watcher and movie-goer, which she lovingly passed on to her daughter and granddaughter. She has even been known to have over fifty shows recorded at once – and somehow, with all the wonderful things she was doing for everyone else – still found time to watch each and every one of them. And she was a “Good Shopper!”, as John would say, which she also lovingly passed along. Her other interests included antiquing, cooking, and of course, being so proud of that daughter and granddaughter of hers.

Bennie was predeceased by an infant son; also, her parents, Will Lansford and Vera Stephens Lansford; two sisters, Maxine Lansford Hayes and Bernice Lansford; and niece, Carolyn Hayes Vidrine. She is survived by her husband, John Stasny of Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Cheryl and Kevin Sellers of New Braunfels; and granddaughter, Ainsley, also of New Braunfels.

A Viewing and Prayer Service will be held Friday, November 1, 2013 @ 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas. Funeral services will take place Saturday, November 2, 2013@ 10:00 a.m. at the Taylor Brethren Church, where Bennie was an active and beloved member for almost 50 years. Burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

Those that have been blessed to be part of Bennie’s life have never known anything other than her love and her willingness to help. She gave of herself freely and fully to each person or task she encountered. There was never anything done half-heartedly – everything over-the-top, to the fullest degree. This includes the “smallest” of dinners or parties—if done to her liking -- could be worthy of royalty. … AND THAT’S HOW SHE LIVED – FULL OUT FOR EVERYONE!!!

Published by Providence Funeral Home, Taylor, Texas, http://www.taylorprovidencefuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2306553&fh_id=12544.