Lilla Joann Plumlee

Plumlee, Lilla Joann of Sunnyvale, Texas. Born November 2, 1948 passed away July 20, 2010. She is survived by husband of 33 years, Joe Plumlee; daughter, Jennifer and husband Jason Craddock; grandsons, Avery Craddock, 11 and Dylan Craddock, 9; sister, Nancy and husband Jim Nichols of Lexington, Kentucky; mother, Anna Ruth Smith of Lexington, Kentucky; brother "in-law, Don Plumlee; and many other loving family and friends. Joann, grew up in Kentucky, poor and her parents had few tools to raise a child.The tragedy of that childhood is too graphic and horrendous to mention, but for one person to etch their way out of those circumstance shows the character and tenacity of a persons life to be a part of life and society and make a difference in the world.She did touch so many and had only one desire and that was to serve God.She knew what her priorities were and followed those goals all the days of her life.Joann was a peace maker all her life and also a victim.There were many happy times in her life, but the past continued to haunt her.She sought and fought against the past.Her victories were many. Joanns happiest time were teaching a senior ladys Sunday school class at the Oaks Baptist Church.She taught numerous Bible Study Courses to women.She enjoyed her family.She called her grandsons, Her Boys .There was no happier moment in her life than when Jennifer, her daughter, came along. At one point, Joann met some Missionaries on furlough who asked her to use her type writer to type from hand written pages an East African dialect with all the ascent marks.She did this for three years and got so good at it, though not knowing how to speak the language could tell when something was missing.Then the same Missionaries came home on furlough again and asked her to come to Africa to see the end result of her work.She did not hesitate because Gods call was great on her life and she could not, not go.The work she was doing were books for young pastors to use going out into the bush and bring the Word of God to the people of East Africa.She stayed three months and finished several books while she was there.She was courageous in that 9/11 happen during her stay, but she continued on.She was not physically able to go, but she did. Numerous times in stores, checkout lines, restaurants, she would engage in conversation and share in the mutual Christian experience with fellow believers or see if she could move someone closer to the Lord.The spirit that lived within her would recognize other believers and she felt free to share.One time, on one of her many trips to the doctor, she met a Hispanic man who spoke in broken English, but she was so concerned for him that she got a person who could speak Spanish and went to see this person.He was given the plan of salvation and the outcome is unknown, but God knows.Joann, today is overwhelmed by those who have gone before telling her the difference she made in their lives.There are many more to come.She knew it was not her, but God chose to use her as an instrument of His love.She wanted God to speak through her and He did many times.She was one of the few who knew how to be an unconditional friend and to show unconditional love.Many times she said we should always take something that was meant for bad and turn it into some good, but even more, to glorify the Lord. Many disappoints came along for her, but she was willing to fight on.Though at the end, she may have lost a battle, the war had already been won and her salvation is complete and the struggle has turned to peace. Joann had a great passion for helping those in need, especially children who have been abused. In response to this commitment, the family has requested donations be made to Buckners Childrens Home.There are several ways you can help: If making a donation by check: You can make a check payable to Buckner and send to: Buckner International 600 North Pearl Street, Suite 2000 Dallas, Texas 75201 Please specify that your donation is in memory of Lilla Joann Plumlee. If making a donation by credit card: Log on to buckner.org. In the top right corner of this site, there is a button which says please give now. This will take you to a donation page. Under Tribute Information type Lilla Joann Plumlee in the tribute full name slot. Thank you so much for your help in continuing Joanns commitment to assist abused women and children in our area.