Elsie Estelle Pomonis

Elsie Estelle Wenckens Pomonis was born in Belton, Texas on March 31, 1930 and left her earthly body on March 29, 2025 just a couple days short of her 95th birthday. In 1931, her family moved to Houston where Elsie attended Jeff Davis High School and later worked many years for Kmart as a stock clerk.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Annie Bell and Oscar Wenckens, her brothers, William, Bobby and Teddy, her husband, Johnny Pomonis, her sons, Sidney and Dennis (Gene), her daughter, Beryl and her granddaughter, Joy.

Elsie had three sons: Sidney, Garry and Dennis (Gene) from her first marriage. She married Johnny Pomonis shortly after she and a friend went to listen to a band and Elsie spotted a dark-haired guitar player. Later on, she relived the moment saying, “I just fell in love right there”. Elsie and Johnny were married for 55 years before his death in 2008. Elsie and Johnny had four daughters: Bobbie, Elsie, Barbara and Beryl. Grandchildren include: Sidney, Terry, Cheryl, April, Heather, Jason, Chris, Angela, Misti, Andy, Carol, Nicole, Joy, Chloe, Nicholas, Kelli, Ryan, Anthony, Rachel, Brittany and Candace. She had 30 great grandchildren and 32 great great grandchildren, some of whom she never met but all of whom she loved.

Elsie's love for her large family knew no limits. She was happiest when the house was crowded with family and friends enjoying loud conversations and the abundant food offerings she prepared. Christmas Eve was a particularly happy time for Elsie when she would decorate to excess and family members would gather round to receive gifts that she selected for every single family member as well as any surprise visitors. No one was left out.

Devotion to family was important to Elsie. She never hesitated to drive countless miles and hours to take kids, grandkids and great grandkids to activities or to pick them up to go on adventures with her. There was always room to include family members and their friends when she headed to a parade, July 4th fireworks, rodeo, drive-in movie or a trip across the country. It didn't matter how crowded the car was or how long the trip would take. She was happy to include anyone who wanted to go. Similarly, she was always ready to be part of any celebration whether it was a birthday party, sports event or band concert. Making memories with her family was a priority for her.

Until her very last days, Elsie was ready to laugh at a funny story or to repeat one of her own. She was a gentle soul who accepted and loved people for who they are. To criticize or make others feel bad was not her style. Instead, each person was equally valuable in her eyes. She didn't keep track of times when someone might have forgotten or hurt her. She just focused on what she loved about them and how she wanted to be part of their lives.

Similarly, she had a rare and remarkable gift for being happy and content with what she had and didn't dwell on what she didn't have or what she had lost. When her husband, Johnny, passed away, she didn't complain to others or ask for sympathy about losing the love of her life and her partner who she truly adored. When she had losses in her physical capabilities or experienced persistent pain, she didn't complain and wouldn't mention it unless asked. She chose to be happy with the life she had and not to dwell on what she did not have.

Elsie's love of making music began in church and school choirs and continued as the lead vocalist in country western bands with Johnny as the lead guitarist. A neighborhood busybody complained to her mother that while walking home from school, Elsie whistled which was not considered acceptable for young girls. It didn't stop Elsie who couldn't help but be joyful in music through her voice or dancing. She is now ready to raise her voice in God's heavenly choir of angels where she will be reunited with loved ones she has lost and where she will await the arrival of those to come later. She was a true follower of Jesus who wanted to love all and make sure no one was left out or overlooked.

A visitation for Elsie will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral services will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039.