Lillian Elizabeth Bourque

Lillian Bourque passed into God’s glory at her home in Beaumont after a short illness on June 24th, 2013 at the age of 91. Lillian was born in Sour Lake, TX on May 16, 1922 to Will L. and Lillian Smith. She was the youngest of five children in the family and the sister of State Representative, Will L. Smith. Lillian was a 1939 graduate of Beaumont High School and proudly attended the class reunions for many years.
Lillian and Clarence Paul Bourque (Cooney) met on a blind date in 1939, were married in 1942 and were together until his passing in 2011. Lillian is also preceded in death by her daughter, Paula Madgen, and is survived by her son, Ron Bourque, her grandson Mark Stringer, his wife Jennifer and two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Sarah Stringer. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren and by cousins, Lucille Bagley and Elton Lanier and by many dear friends.
Lillian was employed for many years in the jewelry stores owned by her father, and her brothers, Will L. and Aubrey. Lillian was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Beaumont where she enjoyed many friendships. She was a very active volunteer at Baptist Hospital Gift Shop for 22 years and also volunteered at the American Cancer Society and at First Baptist Church.
Another member of the greatest generation has left us. She will be missed by so many people.
Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 27 at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday, also at the funeral home.