Lillian Mcclure

Preceded by: Husband Arthur McClure, Jr, Son Don McClure, Daughter-in-law Dorcyle McClure, Parents Louis & Meta Kott; Brothers: Edward (Gertrude), Victor (Lucille); Sisters: Louise Kott, Dora (Elgin) Schneider, Sidonie (Jack) Evers, Esther (Eugene) Kolmeier.

Survived by: Son Chris (Donna) McClure and Granddaughter Rebecca (Jason) Bryant. And a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Lillian Virginia Kott McClure (also known as Sis, Aunt Litzie, Mom, the “doll lady” and her favorite Grandma) was born in Fredericksburg, TX on May 20, 1923, the 7th child of Louis and Meta Kott. She grew up surrounded by a large family describing her childhood as wonderful. She remembered watching from the gallery as her parents danced at a Ball in the Nimitz Hotel. She also remembered Main Street in Fredericksburg before it was paved and horse drawn wagons on the streets.

After graduating from High School Lillian attended business college in San Antonio staying with sister Esther and husband, Wilburn Durst. Lillian would go to a boarding house next door to play a piano in the parlor. One Sunday afternoon Lillian was in the middle of “Beautiful Dreamer” when a young resident, named Arthur, came running down the stairs to see who was playing. Arthur and Lillian both said it was love at first sight. During their courtship the U.S. entered WWII and Arthur was drafted into the Navy. That didn’t get in their way. Lillian, accompanied by her mother and sister Louise, took the train to Norman, Oklahoma where Arthur was stationed as an instructor at the Naval Aviation Ordinance School. They were married on Saturday June 19, 1943. No Honeymoon, Arthur only had a 2-day pass. Arthur eventually received orders to join the Pacific Fleet and they were again separated until after the war ended. They would not be separated again until Arthur’s death in 2006. A marriage of 63 years.

Lillian and Arthur had two sons. Don was born in 1952 followed by Chris 5 years later. Lillian was a stay home Mom ensuring the boys were fed, clothed (much of which she sewed), educated and active. She was a Den Mother, Bible School Teacher, Band Booster, Little League Booster, Football Booster and drove the boys & friends to may a UIL competition, church activity and campout. One of Chris’ classmates pointed out that Lillian always put on the best birthday parties. She was also a mentor & confidant to some of her nieces and neighborhood girls in Boerne. And when the bills got a little too high, Lillian would take a job. She worked at Community Savings & Loan, the Boerne Utilities Office and for Authors Fritz and Emilie Toepperwein.

Lillian, the “doll lady”, was an avid doll collector which she attributed to not having a daughter. Although Chris did end up with a “Platoon” of GI Joes. The dining room of her home in Leon Valley looked like a museum as it was filled with display cases full of dolls and accessories. Shirley Temple was everywhere! The hobby became a business as she made bisque & porcelain dolls, doll cloths & furniture and did doll repair.

In 1997 Chris married Donna which gave Lillian a granddaughter, Rebecca. Finally, she had a little girl to play dolls with. They attended some doll conventions together. When Becca had International Day at school and was assigned to represent Japan, Lillian dressed both Becca and her American Girl Doll in matching Kimonos. She said that one of her proudest days was watching Becca marry her love, Jason.

Lillian always remained active. Although accepting the use of a cane she would regularly walk the halls and parking lot of Villa Northwest Assisted Living. She pushed the wheelchairs of other residents and helped out the office staff with paperwork and filing. She even drove up until age 95.

Lillian left this world peacefully on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2022. Her son was at her side holding her hand.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. John Lutheran Church of Robstown, 3316 Hummingbird Lane, Robstown, TX 78380