Obituaries

Lula Fae Horton (George) was born May 29, 1921, the sixth of seven children of Lula Leona George (Caraway) and John Collier George of Howe, Texas. Lula Fae grew up in the farming community of Howe, near Sherman, with many of her father’s relatives owning adjoining farms and thus surrounding her with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a bevy of cousins in her childhood. She always felt she had an ideal youth. On a visit to Sherman as a girl, a cousin introduced her to Charles Clifton “Clif” Horton, who declared it a “love at first sight” meeting. Lula Fae and Clif married in August of 1940. After Clif’s Army service in North Africa in World War II, the couple settled in Sherman and welcomed their only child, Beverly, in April of 1947. Lula Fae was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Sherman, as well as many community organizations. She was an award-winning and passionate public speaker and a champion of education. She once traveled to Austin at Governor Price Daniel’s invitation to be present at the signing of an education bill for which she had advocated. Lula Fae owned her own business for many years before purchasing and operating a funeral home with her husband. Following Clif’s passing in 1989, Lula Fae moved to Fort Worth to be near daughter Beverly and family. Lula Fae became an active member of Connell Baptist Church, joined The Woman’s Club, and began volunteering for Meals on Wheels, the Child Study Center, and the Gladney Center for Adoption. She was a generous and loyal friend, parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent, as well as outspoken, funny, and self-deprecating. A self-proclaimed “worker bee”, Lula Fae most enjoyed being helpful to the people she loved. She will be missed by all who remember her sharp wit, feisty spirit, and caring dedication to family and friends. Lula Fae Horton is survived by daughter Beverly Horton Yates, son-in-law John Yates, grandchildren Ashley Yates Gunther (husband Paul) and Andrew Yates, and great-grandchildren Andrew Michael Yates and Charles Conrad Gunther. Also surviving are Lula Fae's dear nieces Kayrene Davis Grizzle (husband Grady) and Yvonne Davis Kekuna (husband Bill), as well as their children and grandchildren. A graveside burial service will be held Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in West Hill Cemetery, 1304 West Lamar Street in Sherman. A memorial service will take place on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Connell Baptist Church, 4736 Bryce Avenue in Fort Worth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lula Fae Horton's memory to First Baptist Church in Sherman, Connell Baptist Church in Fort Worth, the Gladney Center for Adoption, or any charity of choice.