Lauralyn Annette "Lollie" Michael

Lauralyn Annette Michael was born to Kenny and Laura Michael at Heights Hospital in Houston on May 23, 1937. Her mother's friend Louise nicknamed her Lollie, and it suited her. Her younger brother became Bubba. It was easier to say than Brother. Eleven years later, her brother Donald was born, completing the family.
Lollie was quite a lady. People who needed help were seemingly drawn to Lollie. She loved helping others. It was her mission. She worked with the Houston First Baptist Church Homebound Program, was a driver for a blind case worker for the Texas Commission for the Blind, and became her mother's roommate and helper after the death of her father. Lollie became responsible for her Aunt Do's health in California and assisted Marian, her landlord, who trusted her to watch out for the older residents of her home. When Lollie eventually moved to an assisted living facility, she was always on the lookout for residents who needed a little extra help.
Lollie was always a loyal and trusted worker. In her early years, she even helped catch some well-dressed thieves in her job at Foley's clearance basement. Lollie was respected and worked for Gulf Oil/Chevron for 30 years. When Gulf Oil merged with Chevron she was part of a team sent to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to help with the transition. After her retirement she found a variety of jobs to keep her busy. She was in distribution for a free publication company. She worked for a photographer of horses. Lollie dug into her family history and became a member and officer of her local United Daughters of the Confederacy.
An adventurous learner and traveler, Lollie visited Hawaii, took a train tour across much of Canada, and toured New England by bus with her mom to see the leaves change color. She would have loved to visit Greece. Her travel trailer was a special part of her life. With family and by herself, she loved camping at Lake Somerville, riding her mo-ped, and meeting new people. People were drawn to her sense of humor and friendly nature.
Some of Lollie's favorite memories involved visiting her grandparents in Marquez. She remembered her grandfather's reticence to let her ride, but she loved horses. When her first brother was born, she stayed with her beloved Aunt Jimmie in the band hall where Aunt Jimmie lived as a band director. The other teachers spoiled her. She remembered the knockdown drag out fight she and Bubba had when helping her family clear the lot for their new house on Frontier Drive. Neither won, but they learned a valuable lesson. Lollie had to change high schools her senior year when the family moved to Frontier Drive and had to catch two different school buses to get to Cy-Fair High School. She graduated in 1955 and picked up some college hours. She loved music, sang with the Gulf Oil choir, and saw Elvis and Buddy Holly perform live. Her Aunt Jimmie's piano was her treasure. Lollie's homemade "secret recipe" pickles were always the special gift she gave everyone at Christmas. Lollie loved the Lord and knew that when it was time, Jesus would welcome her into Heaven with a warm embrace. God always took such good care of her.
A perfect example involves the January 24, 2020 early morning explosion of the Watson Grinding Plant about 800 feet from her house. In bed beside a large window, she was saved from injury by the decorative screen in front of it that fell on top of her when the window blew in. God provided a good insurance settlement and a safe small house with a kind landlord who eventually bought her ruined home. When she tripped over exposed roots at the mailbox and cracked her pelvis,
God again provided and helped her eventually move closer to family. God has guided each step of her 88 years. Preceding her in death were her parents, Kenny and Laura Michael, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sister-in-law Jane Michael, and nephew Daniel Michael. Lollie leaves behind her brothers James and Donald (Linda), nephews David, Steve, Scott (Ashley), Sean (Brenna), grand-nephews Joey, Josh, William, and grand-niece Celeste. A chapel service will be held on Saturday, June 7 at Woodlawn Garden of Memories Cemetery, 1101 Antoine, Houston, Texas.
Visitation will be at 10 with the service at 11 on Saturday, June 7th at the Woodlawn Funeral Home. Honorary pall bearers are her nephews and grand-nephews David, William, Steve, Scott, Sean, Joey, and Josh Michael.