1927
Lee
2013
Lee Means
August 20, 1927 — June 2, 2013
Harlingen, TX:
Lee H. Means, 85, passed away on June 2, 2013 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Lee was born August 20, 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas to Lee and Bertha Cox Holcomb.
She attended and graduated from Junction City High School in Junction City, Kansas. Lee then went to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and later earning a Masters of Education Degree from Texas A & I University (TAMUK). Lee did her graduate work at the University of Texas Pan American and the University of Texas Austin.
Lee was an exceptional educator and educated many of Harlingen’s children. She served in many educational capacities such being a Business Teacher (1947-1948), Elementary Teacher (1948-1973), Special Education Teach (1973 – 1977), Staff Development Facilitator (Fall 1977), Supervisor of the Guidance Center (1978 -1980), Assistant Principal (1979 – 1980), Elementary Principal (1980-1996). She also served at UTB as the Supervisor of the ACP Program (1996-2000), Student Teachers (2002), Interns (2003); at UTPA in ACP Program (2002-2005); and a Consultant with Tech Prep. (1998 -2000).
Lee was professionally involved in education; serving as the past president of the Rio Grande Valley Association of School of Administrators, the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association in District 1, Teacher Education Center at Texas Southmost College, the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Phi Delta, Kappa Lambda Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa, a Local and District 1 Texas State Teachers Association. She was the Past State President of Non-Urban Educators Association of Texas, a Life member of Texas and National PTA and the Texas State Teacher Association; Former State Executive Member, a State Convention Delegate for 10 years, a National Convention Delegate for 8 years; a former member of the Teacher Education Center at Texas A & I University, a member and past Legislative Chairperson at the Mid-Valley Retired Teachers; and was a graduate of the Leadership Academy II (Elementary-Principals) and of the Leadership TASB (Master Trustee).
Lee had a spirit for her community and church. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church where she was a choir member for 49 years, former chairperson of the Worship Counsel, former Youth Superintendent (20 years), chairperson of the Memorials Committee, and former chairperson of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. She was a member of the Harlingen Rotary Club where she was the First Woman Member Interact/RYLA Coordinator. Lee also was a board member of the Boys & Girls serving as its past president, the Family Emergency Assistance serving as its past president, the Harlingen School District holding office twice as Secretary, Vice President and President, Harlingen Literacy Center as its president, Youth Leadership Harlingen, United Way, Rio Grande Councils of Boy Scouts, Valley Baptist Foundation Board and in the Executive committee of the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund serving as its secretary. Lee was a sustaining member of the Harlingen Junior League and a former chairperson of the Better Kids, Better Harlingen.
Lee’s passion for education led her to be honored and awarded the Woman of the Year of Zeta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary membership to the Texas Congress of PTA, selected outstanding Principal by Harlingen local unit of Texas State Teachers Association and Premier Principal by Texas PTA, nominated for Administrator of the year to the National PTA by Wilson Elementary PTA, Texas Elementary Principal of the Year, the National Distinguished Principal for Texas, she received the HOSTS Corporation Highest Award-the Betty Scharff Memorial Award for the Champion of Children, the first recipient of the Valley Morning Star Best of the Best Readers Choice Award for Best Principal, Educator of the Month of the Texas School Business. She was also awarded the Rotary Service Above Self Award; the Harlingen Rotary Club awarded her the Paul Harris Fellow Award from for her community service, the National Medallion by the Boys & Girls Club of Amercia, and the First United Methodist Church of Harlingen awarded her Lay Person of the Year.
She loved to travel and follow all her past and present students. Lee enjoyed and supported all sports in the H.C.I.S.D. attending most of the basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, and baseball games at home and away. She especially enjoyed spending time with the family and grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Laura Means (Troy) Anderson of Harlingen and Mark (Glenda) Means of Bullard, TX; grandchildren, Amber Means of Los Angeles, CA, Ty Lee Anderson and Ava Lea Anderson of Harlingen; several nephews and nieces; and her faithful furry companion Toby.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years Johnny C. Means; brother, Leland Holcomb; and niece, Donella Means Anderson.
Lee was a friend to many although some people had never met her, Lee was a do it right or don’t do it all person. She loved us all, especially the children. She lived to share her life and work with many. Family, education, church, community, and friendship were all on the front burner to her. Memories of this unique lady will live long in this community. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of pouring out your life for others.
As a mom, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, and cousin, she loved her family unconditionally. She spent many occasions traveling to family reunions to be with them. Her constant companion was her dog, “Toby”. He never left her side during her illness.
Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 12 pm to 7 pm with family present from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
A celebration of Lee’s life will be held Thursday, June 6, 2013, 4 pm, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. David Payne officiating. Over flow seating will be available in the fellowship hall. A reception will follow in the church’s Raimond Christian Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs, Harlingen Humane Society, First United Methodist Church of Harlingen.
A special thanks to those who have sent their prayers and lovely comments to the family.
Lee H. Means, 85, passed away on June 2, 2013 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Lee was born August 20, 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas to Lee and Bertha Cox Holcomb.
She attended and graduated from Junction City High School in Junction City, Kansas. Lee then went to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and later earning a Masters of Education Degree from Texas A & I University (TAMUK). Lee did her graduate work at the University of Texas Pan American and the University of Texas Austin.
Lee was an exceptional educator and educated many of Harlingen’s children. She served in many educational capacities such being a Business Teacher (1947-1948), Elementary Teacher (1948-1973), Special Education Teach (1973 – 1977), Staff Development Facilitator (Fall 1977), Supervisor of the Guidance Center (1978 -1980), Assistant Principal (1979 – 1980), Elementary Principal (1980-1996). She also served at UTB as the Supervisor of the ACP Program (1996-2000), Student Teachers (2002), Interns (2003); at UTPA in ACP Program (2002-2005); and a Consultant with Tech Prep. (1998 -2000).
Lee was professionally involved in education; serving as the past president of the Rio Grande Valley Association of School of Administrators, the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association in District 1, Teacher Education Center at Texas Southmost College, the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Phi Delta, Kappa Lambda Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa, a Local and District 1 Texas State Teachers Association. She was the Past State President of Non-Urban Educators Association of Texas, a Life member of Texas and National PTA and the Texas State Teacher Association; Former State Executive Member, a State Convention Delegate for 10 years, a National Convention Delegate for 8 years; a former member of the Teacher Education Center at Texas A & I University, a member and past Legislative Chairperson at the Mid-Valley Retired Teachers; and was a graduate of the Leadership Academy II (Elementary-Principals) and of the Leadership TASB (Master Trustee).
Lee had a spirit for her community and church. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church where she was a choir member for 49 years, former chairperson of the Worship Counsel, former Youth Superintendent (20 years), chairperson of the Memorials Committee, and former chairperson of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. She was a member of the Harlingen Rotary Club where she was the First Woman Member Interact/RYLA Coordinator. Lee also was a board member of the Boys & Girls serving as its past president, the Family Emergency Assistance serving as its past president, the Harlingen School District holding office twice as Secretary, Vice President and President, Harlingen Literacy Center as its president, Youth Leadership Harlingen, United Way, Rio Grande Councils of Boy Scouts, Valley Baptist Foundation Board and in the Executive committee of the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund serving as its secretary. Lee was a sustaining member of the Harlingen Junior League and a former chairperson of the Better Kids, Better Harlingen.
Lee’s passion for education led her to be honored and awarded the Woman of the Year of Zeta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary membership to the Texas Congress of PTA, selected outstanding Principal by Harlingen local unit of Texas State Teachers Association and Premier Principal by Texas PTA, nominated for Administrator of the year to the National PTA by Wilson Elementary PTA, Texas Elementary Principal of the Year, the National Distinguished Principal for Texas, she received the HOSTS Corporation Highest Award-the Betty Scharff Memorial Award for the Champion of Children, the first recipient of the Valley Morning Star Best of the Best Readers Choice Award for Best Principal, Educator of the Month of the Texas School Business. She was also awarded the Rotary Service Above Self Award; the Harlingen Rotary Club awarded her the Paul Harris Fellow Award from for her community service, the National Medallion by the Boys & Girls Club of Amercia, and the First United Methodist Church of Harlingen awarded her Lay Person of the Year.
She loved to travel and follow all her past and present students. Lee enjoyed and supported all sports in the H.C.I.S.D. attending most of the basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, and baseball games at home and away. She especially enjoyed spending time with the family and grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Laura Means (Troy) Anderson of Harlingen and Mark (Glenda) Means of Bullard, TX; grandchildren, Amber Means of Los Angeles, CA, Ty Lee Anderson and Ava Lea Anderson of Harlingen; several nephews and nieces; and her faithful furry companion Toby.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years Johnny C. Means; brother, Leland Holcomb; and niece, Donella Means Anderson.
Lee was a friend to many although some people had never met her, Lee was a do it right or don’t do it all person. She loved us all, especially the children. She lived to share her life and work with many. Family, education, church, community, and friendship were all on the front burner to her. Memories of this unique lady will live long in this community. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of pouring out your life for others.
As a mom, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, and cousin, she loved her family unconditionally. She spent many occasions traveling to family reunions to be with them. Her constant companion was her dog, “Toby”. He never left her side during her illness.
Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 12 pm to 7 pm with family present from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
A celebration of Lee’s life will be held Thursday, June 6, 2013, 4 pm, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. David Payne officiating. Over flow seating will be available in the fellowship hall. A reception will follow in the church’s Raimond Christian Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs, Harlingen Humane Society, First United Methodist Church of Harlingen.
A special thanks to those who have sent their prayers and lovely comments to the family.
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