Lou Ellen Wilson Loving Surrounded by family, Lou Ellen Wilson Loving died at home in Austin after a courageous battle with cancer on June 30, 2011. She was 67. Lou touched countless lives with her love, generosity, grace and unending smiles. Lou was born to Marjorie and Thomas Jonathan Jackson Christian in Dallas, Texas on January 31, 1944. Her father was the most photographed P-51 Mustang pilot of WWII. Lou would only know him through letters and photographs, but his love for her was clear and his pride was obvious, as he named his plane "Lou IV" after his only daughter. Lou's mother eventually found love again and married William Reid Wilson, Sr., the former Attorney General of Texas. Of course, it didn't take long for Lou's sparkly blue eyes, love for dancing and energetic spirit to capture the heart of her new father. Lou went on to graduate with High Honors from St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin and earn her bachelor's degree in history from Wellesley College in 1965. But Texas was home for Lou, and she soon returned to Dallas after college and worked for a financial investment company. In 1972, Lou moved to Houston, where she raised two children, Heather and Reid, with her first husband, Patrick Hughes Fleming. In Houston, Lou's eye for photography and landscape design blossomed. It was also evident that she possessed a keen business mind, and she pursued a master's degree in accounting from the University of Houston. Lou and her children made their way to Austin in 1986, where she put her degrees to work by successfully leading the daily operations of Wilson Land & Cattle, the company that her father founded. It was in Austin where Lou shared so many happy times with her family. Some of her favorite activities included waterskiing, swimming and laughing with her children on Lake Austin, jogging the trails of Town Lake and volunteering. On her 60th birthday, Lou even joined Jazzercise in Westlake and never missed a day. Also in Austin, Lou met George Horace Loving and the two married in 1991. He was "Cowboy George" and she was "Lou Diamond." Together they designed a beautiful home on Lake Austin, loved travelling, in particular to the beaches of Mexico and to the majestic landscapes of Santa Fe, and enjoyed entertaining and spending time with many wonderful friends. Lou always made time to give back to her community. She had a dedication to volunteerism, which began in Houston and continued in Austin. Lou served in leadership roles with several organizations including The Junior League of Houston, The Junior League of Austin and The Settlement Home for Children, where she mentored several girls during the '90s and served as the co-chair for the Settlement Home Garage Sale in 2001. Additionally, Lou enjoyed being a member of the Fleur de League Garden Club of Austin, "Birthday Girls", the "BG" Book Club and her Mahjong group. Lou never wanted to stop learning. She enjoyed long intellectual discussions at the UT Forum and the Headliner's Club of Austin. Lou, or "LuLu" as many of her friends called her, was so full of energy, laughter and generosity. The sparkle in her eyes, her quick wit and smile lit up the room. She had the unique ability to always make her family and friends feel loved and appreciated. Her wide smile and bright eyes always said, "I'm glad to see you, I care about you, and let's have some fun together," which she always did, with her family and so many dear friends. We will miss our beautiful LuLu and are so proud of her. She will forever be in the hearts of those who loved her. Lou is survived by her cherished children Heather Christian Attridge and her husband Richard Byron Attridge, Jr., and Reid Blair Fleming; her devoted husband, George Horace Loving, along with his daughters, Toni, Lori, and Sheri; her brother, William Reid Wilson, Jr., his wife Mary Elizabeth Pincoffs; nephews Lloyd, Robert, and Will Wilson, his wife Stephanie and daughter, Posey. She is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Jonathan Jackson Christian, Jr., her adoptive father, William Reid Wilson, Sr. and her mother, Marjorie Lou Ashcroft Wilson. The family would like to thank Dr. Beth Hellerstedt and the team at Texas Oncology for their dedication and care. Please join Lou's family in celebration of her life at 2:00 pm on July 6, 2011 at the Episcopal Church of Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Rd. Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Settlement Home for Children (www.settlementhome.org) or a charity of your choice. Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com
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July 10, 2011
Robert Killeen
You were both a loving godmother and surrogate grandmother for our 2 children. Your love shall always be remembered and cherished, especially your last trip to the house at Easter with the eggs to breaks over our heads. Blessings on your journey!
July 6, 2011
Lucy Brown
BEAUTIFUL SMILE
Always will remember beautiful smile,
on her face,
And life she lived with,
dignity and grace.
SMILE, she would say,and cherish you live,
Open your heart to love and give.
Be thankful, you are here and well,
And think of stories you are able
To tell.
Then smile I would say,and look around,
Believe in a peace that she has found.
Believe in happiness and stories she told,
Look for someone to love and hold.
And now smile she would say, raise your head and
Stay strong,
I had to go, your life is
continuing ON.
Tunnel of light my journey has shone,
What beautiful place yet I have gone.
My soul and spirit will never die,
So don't be said and Do NOT cry.
Finally I say, her bright eyes and beautiful smile
that is we all know,
Eternal gift of happiness and brightness of glow.
In memory of dearest friend Lou Loving by Lucy brown
To Heather, Reed, Byron, and George our love and sorrow.
Condolences to everyone Lou touched in her life.
And let's put grief for tomorrow.
July 6, 2011
John Connelly
My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss of sweet Lou.
July 2, 2011
Jason Webb
Sincere condolences from everyone at Bottisham Airfield Museum, especially from Steve Gotts. Steve, Laurent Wiart and I were only talking about Lou yesterday when we were standing in front of the memorial she opened in Thomas Christian Way. We hope we can Lou's name alive in a very small way with our displays regarding her father and the planes that carried her name.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Jason Webb
July 2, 2011
Laurent WIART
So very sorry to learn about the loss of Lou. Will never forget the day I spend with her in Arras in 1998.
I was in Bottisham yesterday with Jason and Steve and we speak a lot about her ... I met her when she cames in Arras for a very emotive day on his father ... she was very quiet and always smiling ... will keep a great souvenir of the day I spent with her.
Will pray god for her. All my sympathy to her husband and children.
July 1, 2011
Sandra Wilson
Tears fill my eyes and my heart aches for the loss of my friend, Lou. Thank you George, Heather, Reid and Byron for the tender care you gave her. We will all miss her. Love,Sandra
July 1, 2011
Katy Lindsay
So very sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. When I was in her company, I remember her always smiling. She was a wonderful and charitable person who raised two great children. Love to you all!
July 1, 2011
George & family so sad to hear about Lou. Gail & I send our deepest condolences and prayers. It was always great to get to visit with you both at the 361st reunions when attending. Lou was a wonderful Lady and a joy to talk with. May Gods peace and strength be with you.
Craig & Gail Quattlebaum (Suffolk, Va.)
July 1, 2011
Jim Doche
George,
Annette and I are so sorry for your loss. Lou was as a great friend and a wonderful lady to be around. Please accept a hug from both of us and please don't be without your longtime friends. Please join us when you can because we love you and want to be with you. God bless you and all of Lou's family at this time.
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