Lelia Oleta Kent

JOHNSON CITY Lelia Oleta Kent, 97, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013, in Fredericksburg, Texas. She was born Feb. 22, 1916, to George Gipson and Ruth Wolf Gipson. Lelia was preceded in death by her husband, Royal Pat Kent; and son Jerry Wayne Kent. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Anna "Kay" Kent; grandson Sawn Garrison Kent; and her brothers, Roy Gipson and Maurice "Hoot" Gipson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Lelia was an Army officer's wife and followed her husband all over the world. She and Royal saw and experienced many things that people only wished they could do. She loved to tell stories about her adventures. Lelia taught school for 35 years. She started her career as a private tutor on a ranch in Pumpville, Texas, close to Langtry. She taught in Sandy, Nebken, Doss, Germany and San Angelo. She started teaching in a one-room schoolhouse and ended her career in the most modern school in San Angelo, Texas. In the last nine years, she volunteered her time to the making of many of the Christmas ornaments that are sold at the courthouse by the Johnson City Community Garden Club during the holiday season. Lelia was a loving wife and mother. She was also a fantastic mother-in-law and grandmother. She is loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Crofts-Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City where funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Lelia will be laid to rest next to Royal in the Johnson City Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Gipson, Gaylon Gipson, Mike Kent, Stanley Kent, Cody Kent and Shawn Kent. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Johnson City Library, P.O. Box 332, Johnson City, TX 78636; or to a charity of your choice.