Lillie Mae Hayman, longtime resident of Huntsville, Tx, who devoted much of the last thirty years of her life to community service, died October 21, 2011 at the age of 89 years.
Lillie Mae was born September 28, 1922 to John Edward Grimes and Myrtie Reid Grimes in Nacogdoches County, Tx. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ruth Burt and husband Norman Eugene Hayman. She is survived by her brother Cecil Grimes and wife Lynn, stepsons Thomas Sandford Hayman and wife Jennie, John Rawls Hayman, four step grandchildren, Cathy Lynn & Bobby Warren, Caren Hayman, John Sterling Hayman and John Daniel Hayman, three nieces, four nephews and three step great-grandchildren.
Lillie Mae graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1939 and moved with her family to Houston that same year. She was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in February 1940. She married Norman Eugene Hayman in 1946 and transferred to Dallas. The family moved to Huntsville, Tx in 1949 and she worked in the Southwestern Bell district offices. She was secretary to the district manager, district traffic superintendent and held several
management positions in the plant department. She was the first woman toever work as a telephone company manager in the Huntsville district. She retired in 1979 after 39 years of service.
Lillie Mae has been active in the Huntsville Church of Christ since 1949. She served on many committees; one was a group of ladies who made satin rose pillow corsages for all women who were admitted to the Huntsville Memorial Hospital. She was active in the PrimeTimers, a group of members ages 50 and over. She was in charge of floral arrangements for church and managed the clothes giveaway event for those in need each fall.
Lillie Mae was active in community affairs. She served as president of the Garden Club three times, president of the Walker County Chapter of AARP two years and as tour director for 15 years. One hundred and ten trips were made during that time. She was also a tour host for Educational Opportunities out of Florida and made three trips to Europe. She volunteered at the Sam Houston Statue Visitor's Center and the HEARTS Museum when needed. She joined the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in 1988 and began working in the gift shop in 1993. She served as president three times. She also made many floral arrangements to be sold in the gift shop.
She worked over 14,000 hours as a member of the auxiliary. She also served several years as officer of the Southwestern Bell Pioneers.
Lillie Mae was appointed by Mayor Bill Green to serve on the city beautification advisory committee and served six years. She was first runner-up in 2003 for Citizen of the Year.
Her family can attest to the love she had for her beautiful yard and the dedication she had to community service. She was always busy gardening and working for others. Even while watching television, she was making artificial flowers and floral arrangements. There was never time when she wasn't working on something. She was convinced that time should be used, not wasted.
The family wishes to thank the professional and caring staff at Ella Smither, Thee Hospice, and her physician and friend, Dr. Lawrence Wells. Pallbearers will be gentlemen of the Huntsville Church of Christ.
Anyone wishing to make memorial donations, your time and service to an organization of your choice would be most appreciated.
Visitation will be Monday, October 24, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home; 1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville. The celebration of Lillie Mae's life will be on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 10:00 AM at the Huntsville Church of Christ. 3737 Hwy 30 West, Huntsville, TX 77340.
Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so atwww.shmfh.com.
