Lelia Jeannine Lampman Dennis passed away on July 24, 2016, at Silsbee Oaks Health Care in Silsbee, Texas. She was born to the late Adam D. Lampman and Pauline Lampman in Beaumont, Texas, on March 1, 1930. Lelia was a graduate of French High School. Family, friends, and church were Lelia's passion and delight, and she loved to host and entertain surrounded by her beautiful gardens. Lelia's cooking skills were legendary and rivaled only by her ability to grow the most exquisite plants and flowers. She was happiest when spending time with her beloved husband on fishing outings and in entertaining members of their large extended families.
Lelia fought Alzheimer's for nearly twelve years before succumbing to the ravages of the disease. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of her devoted husband carried her through the grueling battle of memory loss. Despite her disease, she maintained her love for God and her family until the end of her life. The constant nurturing love and caring that she demonstrated to her family despite her illness is a testament that will never be forgotten.
After graduating from high school and taking her first job at St. Therese Hospital, Lelia met the love of her life, Lindy, at a church service. The couple married the following year on January 14, 1949. Married for 67 years, Lelia and Lindy raised their three daughters in Beaumont where they were faithful members of North End Baptist Church and First Baptist Church. Possessing a true servant's heart, Lelia faithfully cared for her children, taught Sunday School, and assumed primary caregiving for her own mother. As a woman of faith, Lelia shaped the lives of many through her tireless Christian example.
Lelia is survived by her dearly loved husband, Lindy Dennis and her three daughters and their spouses, Debbie and Shawn Scofield, Cindy and Mark Merrill, and Leslie Dennis and Laura Chiasson. She leaves to mourn ten grandchildren, Carole Havens, Nathan Merrill, Jeannine Cavazos, Lindy Merrill, Brooke Stovall, Zack Ward, Jon Chiasson, Winston Hughes, Anna Lewallen, and Haylee Scofield. Additionally Lelia was blessed by seventeen great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their love, appreciation, and gratitude to the staff of Silsbee Oaks Health Care and especially to the caregivers of Hall 5 for the magnificent care given to Lelia for the past four years.
A gathering of Leila’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Beaumont, 3739 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Lelia's name to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.
