Lois Ezell Gumbert

Lois Ezell Gumbert December 21, 1923 March 22, 2012 Lois Ezell Gumbert, beloved and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and stranger to none, passed away peacefully March 22, 2012, at Arden Courts Assisted Living and Memory Care in Austin Texas. She was 88. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 26, at Lakeview United Methodist Church, 701 Avenue C, Lacy-Lakeview with Rev. Frank Leach officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 25, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Ms. Lois, as she was affectionately known, touched all with whom she came into contact. Her passion for living life to the fullest has been passed on to those who remain, and her love of family and friends will be cherished and remembered always. Lois was born on December 21, 1923, in Butler, Alabama, to Pearl Dorsie Gibson Ezell and James Bryant Ezell. Her early life was surrounded by her large family and working on the family farm. As Lois was the second oldest of nine, the role of caretaker and "big sister" was something she embraced and ultimately shaped her for caring for all those who came into her life. Lois met the love of her life, Eugene Gumbert, in the early 40s, and they married on November 10, 1945. Their courtship and marriage was a testament of how two people from two different places in the country can find the one thing that holds it all together Love. Lois's life and family would be blessed three times over with the birth of her children, Gary, Larry, and Terry. She would say later in life, "they were the best things that ever happened to me." Lois and Gene made their way to Waco in 1954, where she worked as a telephone operator for the US government, TSTI, and the City of Waco. Her emphasis on Christian values filled the family and led them to find their church home at Lakeview Methodist. She spent countless hours volunteering in the thrift shops and at local hospitals upon her retiring. A belief that family and friends were part of the pillars in life, she emphasized the importance to be the best at whatever you do. Lois's life was filled with love of family and sports. She was a 40-year supporter of Connally High School athletics and was a fixture at all her children's events. Fond memories and stories filled her later years, as she shared Gene's passion of golf and gab. She would say, "I can't hit a golf ball but I love to hear Gene's stories about it." She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Eugene Gumbert; son, Gary Gumbert; her parents; sister, Patsy; and brothers, James and Charlie. She is survived by son, Larry and wife, Sabrena; son, Terry and wife, Kelly; "daughter" by marriage for many years, Claudia; and daughter in law, Jackie; grandchildren, Cary, Sam, Madison and Jackson; and five great grandchildren, Andrew, Zach, Spencer, Oliver, and Ethan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Memorials can be made to either Lakeview United Methodist Church or Connally High School athletics, The family would like to thank the incredible people who have cared for mom over the past few years, Heartland Assisted Living, Arden Courts, and Odyssey Hospice of Austin. The love and dignity you gave to Ms. Lois have been a blessing and lesson on loving family, friends and life. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.