Leonora E. O’Neal Masterson died Tuesday, December 11, 2012, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 99. Leonora was born on October 31, 1913, in Beaumont, the daughter of James William and Leonora O’Neal.
Leonora was a lover of friends, family and nature. Her beautiful backyard sunken garden was employed numerous times over the years as a prized location for parties, weddings, and Easter services. A mentor to many, and a friend to many more, Leonora touched the lives of numerous people both within and outside of her community in a positive and caring way.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Leonora spent her professional career focused on the good health and welfare of her fellow citizens. She was employed for many years as Home Service Director for Gulf State Utilities, as well as working as a Nutritionist for the Dairy Council, promoting the ideals of good nutrition and fitness. Her interest in excelling was reflected early in her career by her receipt in 1948 of the Texas State Historical Associations’ “Laura McCall Award”. This award signified first place in the nation in home service activities and specifically stressed her personal efficiency.
Leonora was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Beaumont for many years, attending services until recently. She was the 2001 recipient of the Annual Second-Mile Award presented by the church for unselfish service to others.
Her desire to provide service to her community was reflected in her very active role in the Pilot Club of Beaumont, Inc., whose mission was to “Improve the quality of life in the communities throughout the world”. After becoming a member in March 1946, she served as the president of this organization from 1949-50 and in numerous other positions during her sojourn of more than fifty years with this group.
Always interested in helping others improve their lives through education, in 1984, Leonora donated 519 acres of forested land near Buna, Texas, to the forestry schools at Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University in honor of her husband Paul Masterson. The Paul N. Masterson State Forest is currently managed by the Texas Forest Service which is a part of Texas A&M University. Life estate revenues from this will now be used to provide scholarship funds to the forestry departments of these schools.
She is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families who will miss her dearly.
Mrs. Masterson is preceded in death by her husband, Paul N. Masterson; brothers, James Conn, Walter Barnes, and James William “J.W.” O’Neal; and sisters, Margaret Palmer, Naomi Zweiger, and Ruth Friedman.
Leonora was lovingly and efficiently cared for by her dear friend and personal assistant, Mrs. Anitra Corbin throughout much of her adult life. The family wishes to express deep gratitude and affection to Anitra and everyone who cared for Leonora in her last years.
A committal service for Mrs. Masterson will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 15, 2012, at Broussard’s Crematorium, 5150 Stivers Drive, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
This was no ordinary Life. This was a life well-lived and well-loved, a life that will be deeply missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
