Lillie Faye Braune

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701U.S. Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.

Graveside services will take place at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Services will be officiated by Bro. John Fanning.

Lillie Fay was born on December 28, 1932, in McLean, Texas, to Albert and Mabel (Long) Tampke. She was the youngest of three, joining her older sister, Maurine, and brother, Bert.

Lillie grew up working on her family's dairy farm. As a young adult, her family moved to Fort Worth, where she worked as a floral designer for Boswell Florist. In the spring of 1953, she met a young Airman named Alvin Braune on a blind date. They married on July 17, 1954.

The couple settled in Navasota, Texas, where Al worked for Gulf States Utilities. They welcomed their daughter Wanda on November 20, 1956, and son Glen on July 11, 1959.

Lillie always dreamed of becoming a teacher. That dream came true when she graduated from Sam Houston State Teachers College in the spring of 1966. She began her teaching career at Carver Elementary in Navasota, becoming one of the first white teachers to teach in an all-Black school.

The family lived on the Braune family farm until health concerns led Lillie and Al to move to Wesley Court in Abilene.

Lillie continued teaching in Abilene ISD and Merkel ISD until her retirement in May 1997. She was known as a firm but compassionate teacher who always encouraged her students to reach their full potential. She had a particular gift for working with struggling readers and celebrating every success with them.

After retirement, Lillie remained active in her community. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, and CASA of Abilene. She also supported the View Baptist Church and the View Fire Department with her famous coconut cream pies. If she was not in the garden, she was sewing. One of her greatest passions was making baby blankets as a gift to others. She only asked for a picture of the baby with the blanket as payment.

Lillie was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Al Braune; her parents, Albert, and Mabel Tampke; her sister, Maurine Kirkland; her brother, Bert Tampke; niece, Cindy Braune Bell; and nephew, Brad Braune.

Lillie is survived by her daughter, Wanda (Darrell) of Pecos; her son, Glen, and his special friend, Lisa, who reside on the family farm in View. She was a loving grandmother to Jessica Braune of San Antonio, Randa (Chris) Ruscher of San Antonio, Chelsea (Britten) Womack of Fort Worth, and Trevor (Emily) Braune of Brenham. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Abrah, Taos, and Tayte, Pember, Posie, and Ridge Ruscher; and Shepherd and Josie Braune. Additionally, she leaves behind her nieces, Kathy Braune of San Antonio, Margaret Lemmerman of Fort Worth, Julie Brink and nephews, Dale Kirkland of Fort Worth, and Scott Tampke.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to one of Lillie’s favorite organizations: the Salvation Army of Abilene, the View Fire Department, View Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.