Lillian Smith Laughlin

On Thursday, November 5, 2015, we lost the beloved matriarch of our wonderful family, Lillian Burne Laughlin. Lillian was more affectionately known to her children and grandchildren as “Mother” and “Nana”, and to others as “Billie”. Lillian was born on May 15, 1938 in Fountain City, Tennessee to George Burne Smith and Julia Frances Cooper Smith.

Lillian met her husband, Bruce, in Wichita, Kansas at a rival high school football game where she took Bruce’s seat while he was playing on the field with the marching band. Lillian’s first professional job was a long-distance patch cord telephone operator in South Bend, Indiana. After her family relocated to San Antonio, Texas, Lillian and Bruce reconnected and married on May 3, 1958. In her early years, Lillian typically had multiple jobs, which included delivering department store catalogs with her children, and working as a bookkeeper. She received her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Home Administration in 1980 from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. After receiving her degree, Lillian worked as a Nursing Home Administrator until her retirement. During her younger years, Lillian enjoyed playing bridge with her close friends, and frequently played the piano and sang. Her children have fond memories of her angelic song voice and the warmth she provided through this special talent. Lillian was instrumental with and enjoyed family trips, holiday celebrations, cooking, and camping with Bruce and family. She will be remembered for the elaborate coordination of trips and family gatherings that involved all family members having a wonderful and memorable time. Lillian was also a huge cat-lover, and we affectionately knew her cats as “children” and her “darlings”. Lillian was always up to the challenge of Las Vegas, where she frequently enjoyed winning the games and watching shows. She always wanted to play board games and cards with her children and grandchildren, and at times ensured they were the “winners.” During her later years, Lillian was frequently playing late night word games with family and card games with Bruce. Lillian, Mother, Nana, and Billie will be remembered for her generosity, servant’s heart, and the heart-warming concern she had for her family, friends, and others.

Lillian is survived by her husband Bruce Laughlin; son, Larry Laughlin; daughter, Linda Collins and husband Jeff; son, Leroy Laughlin; and son, Dr. Lloyd Laughlin and wife Lisa. Lillian is also survived by her many grandchildren; Crystal Burnett and husband Troy; Christopher Collins and wife Kallie; Casey Rubio and husband Chris; Zachary Laughlin, Nicholas “Nicky” Laughlin, and Hayden Laughlin. Lillian had seven great grandchildren; Madeline Haak, Carter Collins, Easton Burnett, Kambrie Collins, Jett Burnett, Colten Collins, and Camden Rubio.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. 10205 FM 620 N, Austin, Texas.

To share your memories and condolences with the Laughlin family, please visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com.