Leonora Virginia Homeier

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Leonora Virginia Tubbs Homeier, 105 and seven months passed into her Lord and Savior’s hands on June 21, 2021. Leonora was born November 7, 1915, in San Antonio, Texas.

Leonora was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Willie Homeier; parents Lawrence and Olga (Alberthal) Tubbs. She is survived by her son, Malcolm Homeier and his wife Kathleen; daughter, Shirley Homeier-McBrayer; six grandchildren: David Homeier and wife Rita; Carolyn Pickett and husband Hal; Kenneth Homeier and wife Stephanie; Melissa Johnston and husband David; Steven McBrayer and wife Catherine, and Richard McBrayer and wife Emily; thirteen great grandchildren: Mitchell and Emily Pickett; Nathan and Leah Homeier; Gavin Homeier; Haley and Chase McBrayer; Erin and Alexander Johnston; Zachary, William, Madaline and Jessica McBrayer; her cousin, Daisy Jane Alberthal; as well as her many blessed friends at Zion Lutheran Church.

Leonora was a gifted, talented, heart-warming, generous and faithful child of God. Her God-given talent was her voice. In 1925, at age 10, Leonora began singing as a high soprano in the church choir, and shortly thereafter began piano lessons at the San Antonio Music Conservatory. She performed as a soloist in many musical plays throughout the city. In 1931, Leonora was interviewed by the San Antonio Express News, and was awarded the title: “The Songbird of San Antonio”. This was quite a testament of her incredible singing talent at such a young age. Prior to graduating from Brackenridge High School in 1933, she took part in the 11th Annual Texas Interscholastic Music Meet, where she won a music scholarship to Mary Hardin Baylor College. Leonora’s talent was in high demand where she performed many solos for local church services, weddings, and funerals. Later, she taught private piano lessons before starting her family in 1940.

Leonora worked for 10 years as a secretary. She was a consummate homemaker and made many delicious homemade loaves of bread, biscuits (Biz rolls were the favorite among the family), cakes, and pies, as well as canned varieties of home-grown fruits and vegetables. She even made home-made dog food for the family pet. Her love of sewing, hand embroidery, cross stitching, knitting, crocheting, and quilting were evidenced by the many truly wonderful items she made, and donated. As a young bride, she made her all-lace wedding gown. In later years, she created and sewed her daughter’s satin wedding gown that she seeded with pearls on an overlay of lace. Her unique talent, and love of quilting, found its way in well over 100 quilts that she hand-pieced, and hand-quilted for her family. She also made over 300 clothing items, blankets, sweaters, caps, and booties for her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also crafted elaborate, hand-sequined and hand-beaded Christmas tree skirts, and stockings, each embellished with her great grandchildren’s names.

Leonora was a member of Grace Lutheran Church from birth until 2014. While at Grace, she sang in the choir, was pianist for the Sunday school, and worked in the cancer sewing groups where she crocheted over 500 adult bibs. When she moved across town, she became a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and was the congregation’s oldest member. Her days were busy filled with many Zion church activities: Prayer Shawl Ministry, Crafty Bunch, and Lutheran World Relief Quilting. Still going strong at age 100, she completed and donated four quilts to Zion for Lutheran World Relief. Her hands were never idle as she continued her ministry of giving to others by crocheting over 80 “lapgahns” that she donated to local nursing homes. She often reflected that it filled her heart with pride, and a sense of benevolence by crocheting the warm lap blankets for “the older people.”

We are especially indebted to Dr. George Richmond, Jr., Dr. Thomas Fisher, and Dr. Phoebe King, Dr. Michael Maloy for their excellent care through many years. Also, a huge thank you to all the nurses and staff at Sorrento Cantex Caring Community Network. Leonora will truly be remembered by all who had the good fortune to know and love her.

Celebration of Life Services are set for Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 10:00 at Zion Lutheran Church, 9944 Leslie Road, San Antonio, Texas. Interment to follow in San Fernando Cemetery III, 1735 Cupples Road, San Antonio, Texas.

Reception will be at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Gifts may be given to Zion Lutheran Church Building fund or Music Ministry.