Elizabeth D. Herrmann's Obituary
HERRMANN, ELIZABETH D. Her mother, Maude Hicks, left the family farm in Goshen, Indiana in 1911 and traveled by herself to study at a newly opened school, the Chicago Art Institute. Her father, Vernon Davis, was also an artist, and she acquired the same love of drawing and painting. Born in April 1924 and growing up in Houston, Texas with her two older brothers Clifton and Phillip, she commented that she never felt the effects of the Great Depression. She was tall and skinny with long legs; it was difficult to find a boy who would want to dance with her. Fun-loving and light hearted, she had a beguiling smile that made you think she held a deep, dark secret, when in truth she was just a shy and timid girl. Like her mother, she was demurely determined with a dry sense of humor. She enjoyed riding horses and spending time with her girlfriends. Worked as a graphic artist for Shell Oil company altering drilling maps. Joined the war effort with the Navy Waves and became Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class. Swept away by an Army Air Force cadet in 1943. He returned from the European theater as a decorated Army Air Force officer in June 1945. Married September 1945 for 60 years. She was the quiet counterbalance to her bigger than life partner. They were like George Bailey’s brother and new wife returning home to family at the end of the Frank Capra film, It’s A Wonderful Life. And it was a wonderful life. Attended Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts for art. Lived in California and in 1958 settled in Dallas and raised 4 children. Some may count her accomplishments as few, while others count them immeasurable. Every morning, breakfast ready before school. A news article tucked under your cereal bowl cut from the morning paper, articles of only good news. Dinner every night at 6:30 with all family sitting down together. Sunday dinner after church at Holy Cross Lutheran. Awesome cook. Best apple pie ever, bar none. Sewed clothes for daughters. Loved her cats and loved to play tennis until the age of 83. Listened but did not judge. The safehaven during family conflicts. A sympathetic ear. Enjoyed dining out and dancing. Quietly and covertly rescued daughter’s first dinners. Favorite lunch spot at Neiman Marcus. Looked forward to luncheons with “Precious Thaings” tennis group . Circumvented the globe. Member North Dallas Women’s Club. Book club with daughters. Always painting and drawing; art classes at the Dallas Arboretum. Never strongly opinionated. Never wanted to be left out, but never wanted to stand out either. Only years later we would come to truly understand the precious gift which was given to us every afternoon, when as children, we would fling open the back door and boldly announce, “Mom! I’m home!” And she was there. You were always there. There are not many things in life you can count on but from childhood to adulthood, she would always be there for us, waiting and at home. And you thought you didn’t do much. Elizabeth Leah Davis Herrmann passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2011 to be reunited with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven. She is preceded in death by her husband William Carl Herrmann and is survived by her 4 children and spouses: Bill and Linda, Barbara and Tim, Margaret and Rusty, Janet and Ken, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan 21, 2011 from 5-7pm at Restland Funeral Home. Memorial service on Saturday, Jan 22, 2011 11am at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 11425 Marsh Lane, Dallas. Fellowship reception to follow. The family wishes to thank the compassionate doctors, nurses and staff at Presby Dallas Hospital for all their efforts in our mom’s battle against colon cancer. Memorials may also be sent to the American Cancer Society and the Dallas SPCA.
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