Lillian Leatrice (Schmidt) Gafford, 83, resident of Pearland, Texas, stepped onto the streets of Heaven on Saturday, June 25, 2022. She was a follower of Jesus Christ and was acknowledged by so many as a distinctive influence in their finding Christ or deepening their Christian walk. Just as she loved deeply, she was deeply loved and was a cherished friend to everyone who crossed her path. Lillian taught women in Bible study and she walked with many needing a listening and encouraging ear. In the process, she found many who would be lifelong friends. Lillian also influenced many people through years of service in the Discovery Class for newcomers at Sagemont Church and was a faithful member of the Soul Support Bible Study class.

Lillian carried many titles, but the ones she held most closely were those of Daughter, "Aunt Sis", Wife, Mom and "Meemaw". Lillian was born to Herman and Tilda Schmidt on June 20, 1939. She was married to the love of her life, Warren, for just short of 66 years, and together they perfected the term "Best Friend" as each of them found their greatest joy in each other's presence. She was a wonderful, sacrificial and loving Mom to their daughter, Duane (Gafford) McClendon and her husband Mac, son David Gafford and his wife Pat, and son Dennis Gafford and his wife Michi. Warren, Lillian, Duane, David and Dennis are also Gen 1 of "The Tuna Bunch". She claimed many as her own "kids," but none more so than Randy and Paula Barnett and their family. Lillian is also survived by her brother-in-law Lee Clark, sister-in-law Ida Pittman (and Gary), and cousins Gail and Mary Gafford, who have provided exceptional support and assistance during Lillian's extended illness.

Affectionately called "Meemaw," Lillian was grandmother and great grandmother to: Marcus and his wife Chrystal Gafford and great grandmother to Makayla Bacot, and Alani, Anberlyn and Coraline Gafford. Misty and her husband Kevin Neimeyer and great grandmother to Ryder and Stella Neimeyer. Thomas and his wife Jenn Gafford and great grandmother to Ensley and Emersyn Gafford. Natalie and her husband Tim Atwood and great grandmother to Kylie and Audrey Atwood. Zach and Tanya McClendon.Britney McClendon and great grandmother to Ava and Aiden McClendon. Jessica and her husband Chris Winstead. Jaime and Andrew Slafka and great grandmother to Carson, Keaton, Camden and Annelyse Slafka, Nikki and her husband Andrew Thompson and great grandmother to Laney and Levi Thompson. Janna and her husband Jonathan Hipps and great grandmother to Nolan, Faye and Ellis Hipps. Josh and his wife Abbey Barnett and great grandmother to Olivia, Zoe and James Barnett.

Lillian is also survived by many amazing cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and so many special friends it is impossible to name them all.

Lillian was preceded in death by granddaughter Mandy and daughter-in-law Phyllis Gafford; her parents Herman and Tilda Schmidt, and brothers Jerod, Alton, Ralph and Herman, Jr.; as well as Warren's parents, Floyd and Ila Gafford, and sisters Martha, Faye and Norma Jo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the NVision project at Sagemont Church or MDAnderson Cancer Center.

The family will receive friends at Peevey Funeral Home, Thursday, June 30, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The memorial service will be held at Sagemont Church, Friday, July 1, at 11:00am. Interment will be held privately.