Lillie Katherine Horelica

Lillie Katherine Kramr Horelica was born November 25, 1913 in La Grange, Texas to Louis and Julia Kramr. Lillie had one brother, Alvin Kramr and three sisters: Clara Davis, Della Wright and Esther Mathews. On July 14, 1937, Lillie married her best friend, Alfred Horelica. The two of them would enjoy forty-eight years of marriage filled with many joyful times and most importantly, family. She and Alfred were blessed with four children: Tilford Horelica, Doris Brown, Betty Petersen and Willie Mae (i.e., Lulu) Pinchback. Once when asked for advice on marriage, Lillie said there were two important things to always remember: “If you are willing to dish it, be willing to take it and find someone you truly enjoy life with.” As this quote suggests, Lillie was always a spitfire filled with an incredible zest for life that was obvious to anyone who had the joy of knowing her. One of Lillie’s greatest talents and joys in life was sewing. In fact, Lillie spent twenty-five years as a seamstress for The Wharton Steam Laundry. After retirement she continued her love for sewing at home doing alterations, knitting, quilting, and embroidering. Quilting baby quilts was one of her favorite past times - making many in advance with potential little ones in mind and saving just the right one for the right grandchild or great-grandchild. She also donated many of these beautiful quilts as gifts to hospital charities such as The Wharton Fire Department Auction and The Little League Auction. She also embroidered pictures and donated them to the Wharton Fire Department Ball. Furthermore, Lillie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over twenty-one years. Once again her generous spirit came shining through as it was during this time that she made over 1,080 lap robes for the residents of Avalon Place and Wharton Manor Nursing Home. Also, befitting her name, Lillie loved to garden - especially when her children were growing up. Beautiful flowers were planted everywhere - around the house, around every tree and all along her fence line. When they bloomed, she would cut bouquets and send them to neighbors with the hopes of brightening their homes. Well into her nineties, she would still go to Wal-Mart buying potting plants in hopes of putting them in the yard. In addition to all the beauty she cultivated around her, Lillie was a social butterfly who truly enjoyed fun times with friends and family In her younger days, dancing the night away with her beloved husband, traveling and enjoying live music were common past times. Throughout her life, Lillie also loved her card games. She would wait eagerly each week to be with her friends and share refreshments or dinners. She was also the ideal hostess - a Czech and German version of Martha Stewart (minus the pretension). By all accounts, Lillie loved food - especially when she got to cook it! Her kolaches , strudel and sauerkraut are sure to be missed! It was through her cooking that she expressed her love for family and friends. Her southern hospitality was legendary. Her home was always open on holidays not just to family and friends, but to those who might not have had the opportunity or ability to spend the holidays with their families. Lillie had a way of making everyone feel welcome! Not surprisingly, Lillie’s friends and family will miss her dearly and always remember this high spirited woman with great fondness and profound love. Her strong spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of all those she has touched over the course of her remarkable ninety-nine years on this earth. Lillie is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Julia; her brother, Alvin; her sister, Clara; her husband, Alfred; and three grandchildren, Jason, John and Lynn. Lillie is survived by her son, Tilford Horelica and wife, Autrey of Houston; daughters: Doris Brown and husband, Ed of Converse; Betty Petersen and husband, Donald of Lake Jackson; Willie Mae Pinchback and husband, Tony of El Campo; seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grand children. Pall bearers are her grandchildren and honorary pall bearers are her great grand children