Lillian B. Irwin

Born in Ashland, Kentucky, April 7,1923, to Arthur and Lacye Beckwith. She graduated from Ashland High School where she was elected prom queen, "Best all-around Girl", honor society, and drum majorette to name just a few of her honors. After a successful high school career she turned her efforts towards college and attended Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

In college Lillian became part of many clubs and groups like the Spanish Club and Women's Glee Club. She was elected to Vice President of her Freshman class, editor of her college's newspaper, student hostess and was crowned Culture Queen of her college. She graduated from Asbury with a degree in English Composition.

She put her career goals aside to become the wife and helpmate to Donald Irwin a recent graduate of Asbury University and Seminary. They were wed on June 5, 1946 in Ashland, Kentucky, at First Church of the Nazarene. After the wedding they moved to Florida and soon accepted their first church in St. Petersburg. They lived in a one room apartment above a 5 and 10 cent store. To say the least, life was a challenge.

A few years later they moved to Orlando, Florida and then to Miami. It was in Florida that their daughter" Linda Sue" was born in 1949 and their son" Donald Lee" was born in 1953. In the early 60's they again moved this time to Pasadena, California. Their church was located near Pasadena College and they had a very strong college program. Two of her favorite students were James and Shirley Dobson who went on to start "focus on the Family."

In the 70's Lillian and Don Moved to Quincy, Massachusetts where they were District Superintendants of the New England District of the church of the Nazarene. In 1975 he was elected to the Presidency of Eastern Nazarene College. This was a position that was perfect for Lillian, the wife of a university president. She enjoyed the social aspects of her position but truly loved getting to know the students and having chats about love, careers and most importantly her love for Christ.

Don and Lillian went on to be the district superintendant of the South Arkansas District. This job was an administrative job but they were also the pastor to pastors across the state. The pastor's and wives soon learned to love Lillian. She was a partner not only in her giving of advice or listening but also in prayer. In 1995 Don and Lillian retired officially but continued traveling and speaking literally across the world. In 1999 Don and Lillian moved to Texas to be near their family.

Lillian's only daughter Linda went on to be with the Lord after their retirement. This was one of life's most bitter moments, they never dreamed they would have to bury their own child. Thoughts came to her mind when Linda was a small child and she told her daddy that she loved him and also Jesus. It was just another moment that she knew that sometimes life just isn't fair. Through it all she could say that "God is good."

Lillian is survived by her husband, Don, her son, Donald Lee and his wife Kay, and 4 grandchildren , Melissa, Lee, Luke and Lance and 2 great grand children.

The funeral service will be held on January 2 2013 at 3:00 p.m. and the Forest Park East Funeral Home

21620 Gulf Freeway Webster, Texas 77598 Phone: (281)332-3111