Bobbie Minette Lemons True, passed away on August 17, 2018, in Beaumont, Texas.
Bobbie touched the life of every person who knew her. In addition, she enjoyed the engagement with friends not only within the church but in the many communities in which she lived. Bobbie’s friends were dear to her, and she would be the first to provide meals for those in need or to engage in any way she could to help someone. She had a strong personal philosophy of leading by example, and she committed her time and energy to quietly helping people, giving them her love and encouragement. She truly gave herself to others.
Bobbie was born in Memphis, Texas, on February 1, 1940, to Beth Minette Moreland Lemons and Robert Clifford Lemons. She attended Memphis, Texas, public schools and McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. While at McMurry University, she was involved with numerous campus activities, and she was a member and served as an officer of Delta Beta Epsilon, a campus women’s social club. She later earned graduate hours in library science at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
After college graduation, Bobbie married James (Jim) Lester True in October 1962. At that time, Jim began his military career serving in the United States Air Force. During their 30 years of military service, they were stationed at Air Force Bases in Delaware, Guam, California, the Azores, Alabama, Illinois, ending their military service in 1992 in San Antonio, Texas at Randolph Air Force Base. During the Vietnam War years when Jim was flying into Southeast Asia, Bobbie and their two children, Diane and Bruce, moved to Memphis, Texas, to be near Bobbie’s parents while Jim was away. Bobbie frequently taught school during the years of Jim’s military service, and she served as a teaching supervisor during some of those years, and she taught classes in Adult Literacy. She was devoted to helping children and adults receive an education. In 1992, after serving for 30 years, Jim retired from the Air Force, and they moved to College Station, Texas, where he earned a Ph. D. degree in Political Science. Bobbie supported Jim in all ways during his military career and after that in his years completing his graduate school in preparation for college teaching. From College Station, they moved to Beaumont, Texas in 1997. Jim began a twelve year career as a professor at Lamar University holding the Jack Brooks Endowed Chair of Government and Public Service.
Bobbie was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Beaumont. She served as President of the Women’s Society group, she taught Sunday School, she served on the church Administrative Board, and she led prayer groups, prayer shawl ministry, and women’s Bible studies. She served on practically every committee in the structure of the church.
Bobbie was dear, caring, and loving to her immediate family, and to her aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings. She was attentive to them with calls, letters, cards, and visits. But at the highest of importance to her was being with her children and grandchildren; this brought the most important joy in her life. Bobbie possessed a God-given, deeply caring soul.
Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents, Beth Minette and Robert Clifford Lemons, and one sister, Mary Ann Lemons Rowzee. Also, she is preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Faye Hearn True, father-in-law, James Lester True, Sr., and brother-in-law, Wayne True.
Bobbie is survived by two sisters, Betty Lemons Pelfrey and Judy Lemons Davidson, and her brother, John Carl Lemons. She is survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Diane True.
Bobbie is survived by her beloved children and grandchildren: Daughter Cynthia Diane True and her husband Luther Wayne (Sonny) Sanders, and children, Royal J. and Josephine M. Sanders of Columbia, Missouri as well as her son James Bruce True and his wife Michelle True, and children Kaylee B. and Alexis C. True of Campbell, California.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Beaumont on Friday, August 24, 2018, at 2:00 pm with Reverend Jon Stouffer of First United Methodist Church officiating. A reception will follow the service for friends to greet the family members.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Ave., Beaumont, Texas 77701. Or donations to charities of choice.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Barbara Lewis and Beverly Kelly for their caregiving during these last few months. The family would like to express their appreciation to the many close family and church friends for their love and support during this time. Also, the family gives thanks to the doctors and medical community for the care given over the last months.