LUCY VAN LIEW WARE
1925-2017
Lucy Van Liew Ware was born in El Paso, Texas, on July 12, 1925. Her father died when she was 3 years old, and with her mother, she moved to Los Angeles, California, to live with her aunts and grandfather. She grew up well loved by her “Granny”, mother and Aunt Bess. As Lucy grew into her teen years, Aunt Bess made her beautiful formal dresses for prom and other events, including her wedding rehearsal dinner gown.
Her grandfather died when she was 16, with his beloved granddaughter by his side. Lucy graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, and then, bucking family pressure to enroll at a Catholic college, enrolled instead at the University of Southern California. She was too overwhelmed by the school at first to even choose classes, but in typical Lucy fashion, marched herself back the next day.
At USC, she served as the president of the Alpha Phi sorority and then met the love of her life, Glen Ware, and they were married for 60 years, until his death. They had two daughters, Susan and Lucy Anne. She was later thrilled by her grandchildren: Lizzie, Josie and Glen McAdam.
She was a masterful home decorator, due to the many houses she and her husband owned in different parts of the country, as he was transferred often due to his work as a geologist for an oil company. When they lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was a member of the Krewe of Iris parade float during Mardi Gras, throwing beads to the onlookers with wild abandon. In Houston, Lucy valued her membership in P.E.O.
Lucy--Mommy, Gaboux-will be sorely missed by her family, but we take comfort in knowing she is, again, with her Glen.
Joy Stewart Fuller Stephens, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother left behind a loving group of family and friends on March 20, 2017 to embark upon her last adventure. A kind and generous heart failed her at the end, but her attitude was always, I’ll kick this, just give me a chance.
Born in Merryville, Louisiana, the family moved to Baytown, Texas. Her father, Talbot worked at the Humble Oil and Refining Company. Joy attended Robert E. Lee Junior College and worked as a secretary at the refinery. If anyone asked, Joy declared “Baytown, Texas is my Home Town.”
In 1951, she married Air Force pilot, Robert Luther Stephens of Gilmer, Texas. The life of a military wife led to many travels away from “home”. They raised three lovely ladies in the deserts of New Mexico and California; built enduring friendships along this journey coast to coast.
People, art, dance, architecture, music and good food were Life’s banquet pleasures set before Joy. It was always an inspiration to join with her at that table and she gladly invited everyone to enjoy.
In 1984, she returned to Baytown, following the loss of her husband. Joy became an active member in local civic organization; some favorites were Pilot Club and Garden Club. Fundraising efforts supported the Chinquapin School, Baytown Symphony, Sterling Library, and the Britton-Fuller Shelter. She enjoyed campaigning to create a Bird Sanctuary; assuring future migrations of Snowy Egret and Brown Pelican to Portland, Oregon and her last residence.
Joy’s passing was preceded by her mother Lillie Jewell Stewart Fuller, father Talbot George Fuller, uncle Price Stewart, sister Lou Aleen and husband Perry Britton, husband Robert Luther Stephens, and life-long friend Col. Clyde E. Good. She sends a kiss farewell to those who remain- daughters (and their spouses) Lila Lou Stephens-Ackler (Bryan) Linda Lee Stephens Hopkins (David) and Lisa Stephens Molseed (Craig); grandsons Stephen Anthony Gresch (Ana Gabriela HernandezMckig) and William Robert Gresch (Jessica Kaye Thepprasit); great-grandsons Felix Tao and Phineas Marcin Gresch; cousins Charlie and Lane Stewart, Steve and Sally Stewart, Mary Alice Stewart, the extended Stewart family in Alaska, and Amy and Bubba Currie. Special loving thoughts are sent to her Texas families: Connie and Scott Walding, Brian and daughter Megan Remkes; Teri and David Sanders; Mel Stone; Elizabeth Rieck; Doris and Darla Sherron; Hazel Prosper; friends at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. There are many more special people who made Joy feel blessed and loved.
A celebration of her life will be held in Baytown, Texas on April 30, 2017, at 2:00pm at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church; 3811 North Main street. Donations are suggested to be made in Joy’s name to St Mark’s UMC or a charity of your choosing that benefits Education.