Lorene Kirkpatrick

Lorene S. Kirkpatrick of Waxahachie, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Waxahachie. She was born September 13, 1921 in Ozro, Texas to the late Robert F. Smith and Leora Wakefield Smith. Lorene attended a two room school in Ozro and graduated from Maypearl High in 1938. She went on and graduated from Trinity University in 1941 while it was still located in Waxahachie. She received her Master's degree in Counseling from the Texas Wesleyan University in 1961 and continued additional studies at Texas Christian University. Lorene spent 40 years in various assignments in schools in Ellis County. Her early years were spent in Maypearl ISD as a teacher, girls basketball coach, principal and interim superintendent during the years of WWII. She spent 20 years working out of the office of the Ellis County School Superintendent, the late J. E. Wakeland, serving as a guidance counselor in Avalon, Italy, Central High, Forreston, Maypearl, Milford, Palmer and Red Oak. She also served as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Lorene was a long time member of the First United Methodist of Maypearl and then a member of the First United Methodist Church of Waxahachie, where she was a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class and was also the treasurer for 16 years. She was very active in church, serving as a teacher, helper in VBS and other positions where there as a need. She was also a member of the Waxahachie Retired Teachers Association; Association of the Texas Professional Education; Texas Counseling Association; the Baylor Medical Center Auxiliary of Waxahachie; and other various local state and national organizations. She also enjoyed participating in the annual Christmas tree decorating service for the Children's Medical Center of Dallas for more than 20 years. Lorene was very dedicated to her responsibilities. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert F. and Leora Wakefield Smith; her daughter, Pamela Kirkpatrick, MD; and also by her brothers, James A. Smith and R. C. Smith. Many people have been so supportive of her through the years; Pat and Mattie Lou McElroy and families; the Bill Kelly Family; her beloved family at the First United Methodist Church of Waxahachie. She is survived by many cousins from several generations that are branches on "her life's tree." A host of children she nurtured during the 40 years when they lived in the Little Creek Drive neighborhood. She was affectionately known as Mama K and there are many friends of her late daughter who claim her as family and were always loving and loyal. In her beloved birthplace, the Maypearl area, there is a lifetime of friendships that are a great bond of endearment. Her many former students from the surrounding schools in the county are her family as well. Lorene always felt so blessed to enjoy so many wonderful boys and girls who made up her extended family. She is also survived by her nephew, Robert R. Smith and family in Georgetown, Texas. Services to celebrate her life are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church of Waxahachie with Rev. Jerry Galloway and Rev. Kevin Wilson officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 505 West Marvin, Waxahachie, Texas 75165; the Baylor Medical Center Auxiliary, 1405 West Jefferson, Waxahachie, Texas 75165; the Maypearl Education Foundation, P. O. Box 40, Maypearl, Texas 76064; the Nicholas P. Sims Library, 515 West Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas 75165; or to any other charity of your choice. http://www.waynebozefuneralhome.com/

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