Lillian Wimpee

Wimpee, Lillian Wilkins Lillian Wilkins Wimpee, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2005. Mrs. Wimpee’s life was one filled with love for her Lord, dedication to her family, passion for music, and devotion to Baylor University. Her immense musical gifts were not hers alone as she shared them with all whom she encountered. Services will be Friday, May 6 at 1 PM at First Baptist Church of Waco with Dr. Milton Cunningham and Dr. Herbert Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, May 5 from 6 to 8:00 PM at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Lillian was born in Clever, Missouri on July 6, 1917 and raised in Rolla, Missouri. She was the daughter of Fletcher Conaway and Myrtie Alice Luce Wilkins. As a young child, she demonstrated an aptitude for music and spent much of her time playing her instrument of choice, the piano. Lillian formalized her music training with a Bachelor’s degree from Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri and a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. While at the seminary, she met her beloved husband of sixty years, WJ Wimpee, former Chaplain and professor of Religion at Baylor University, While raising her three daughters, Gayle, Deborah and Dayna, Lillian shared her love of music with hundreds of students in both her home and at Baylor University. Perhaps her most notable position was that of organist at First Baptist Church in Waco where she served the congregation for thirty years and was an active member for over fifty years. After her retirement she continued to play the piano for the children’s Sunday School departments. Her ministry of music has been significant in the lives of many whom she has taught, entertained and inspired. She was able to touch many hearts through music. A devotee to Baylor University and its mission of Christian education, Lillian was an official “Baylor University Alumnae by Choice” and served as President of the Baylor University Round Table. Her generous heart led her to be involved in the International Student Program. In this capacity, she helped numerous foreign students feel at home in her warm kitchen and inviting living room. One of her most impressive achievements was her role in the chartering of Kowloon International Baptist Church in Hong Kong as well as the founding of their choir. Today the church is thriving and is celebrating its forty-fifth anniversary. While in Hong Kong she also served at an English instructor and choir leader at Hong Kong Baptist University. Lillian was an active member of PEO Chapter CD for over fifty years. While a member of PEO, she served as President and was a “golden girl” member. She was preceded in death by her husband, WJ Wimpee in December, 2002. She is survived by her three daughters, Gayle West and her husband, Judge David West of Pasadena, Deborah Stinnett and her husband, Dr. D. Mitchell Stinnett of Joplin, Missouri, Dayna Schwartze and her husband, Dr. Mark Schwartze of Waco; ten grandchildren, Erica Schwartze Mills, Jeff and Meredith Schwartze, Alyson Stinnett Miller, David Stinnett, Melissa West Parker, Michael, Glenn and Blake West and Julie West Scott and thirteen great grandchildren who all lovingly knew her as “Honey”. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Lillian’s caregivers who so lovingly attended to her in the past 2-1/2 years. They are Debra Garrett, Lois Revis, Rebecca Loredo, Janet Reed, Vera Giddings, Carolyn Sanders, Vicki Fuentes and Dorcus Vaughn. Pallbearers will be Jeff Schwartze, Mark Schwartze, David Stinnett, Blake West, Glenn West and Michael West. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Attas, Jim Cole, Paul Dwyer, Jack Flanders, Jr., Glenn Hilburn, Dan Mayfield, Derek Miller, Richard Mills, III, Winfred Moore, Charles Myers, Justin Scott, Mitchell Stinnett, and David West. Memorials may be made to the WJ and Lillian Wimpee Scholarship fund at Baylor University or to the First Baptist Church of Waco Music Ministry. The family invites you to leave a memory or message in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey