E. Lucille Lipscomb

Ector Lucille Lipscomb (née Herbener) passed peacefully into eternal rest at 3:00 a.m. on January 20, at Methodist Hospital Stone Oak in San Antonio, holding her granddaughters’ hands, with her family close by.

Born in Dawson, Georgia, in 1943, Lucy was the daughter of Ector Margaret (Goolsby) Herbener and William Josiah Herbener, and the sister of Thomas Lowell Herbener. Known as “Cille” by her parents, brother, and cousins, and later as “Miss Lucy”—the name her husband always called her—she greeted the world with kindness and a warm smile, a grace she carried throughout her life and even in her last days.

Lucy was married to Gary Edwin Lipscomb for 62 years, a partnership marked by devotion, faith, and shared adventure. Together, they built a life rooted in love, service, and family, reflected in their roles as proud parents to three children: Edwin P. Lipscomb (Carmen), Charlotte L. Garza (Jose “J.A.”), and Wendell W. Lipscomb (Tiffany).

She found her greatest joy as a grandmother to Kaylen L. Garza (Reem Ickowicz), Lorenna J. Garza, and Vivian R. Garza. Lucy delighted in cheering at soccer games, attending dance recitals, sharing ice cream at Harrel’s, and preparing gluten-free pumpkin bread for college care packages. Her home was a welcoming place where grandchildren could stop in, be embraced, and leave well-fed. She cherished quiet afternoons doing puzzles and reading, encouraging creativity and nurturing curious minds.

As a mother, Lucy faithfully waited through her children’s lessons and activities, never rushing moments that mattered. She loved family routines like Friday night pizza and shared meals, providing a steady, warm, and safe home. She always put her children’s needs first, remembered important dates, sent cards, and was present every time.

Education mattered deeply to Lucy, and she played a formative role in shaping her granddaughters’ love of learning—an influence that will remain part of her lasting legacy. This dedication to nurturing others extended far beyond her family life.

Her life was shaped early by service and adventure. The daughter of a World War II and Korean War veteran, Lucy attended and graduated from high school in Japan. Afterward, she attended the University of Arizona, beginning a life defined by curiosity, commitment, and travel as an officer’s wife. She especially cherished her adventures in Puerto Rico, riding her scooter while holding tightly to Gary—a reflection of a partnership she never let go of. She took loving care of him throughout their life together.

A woman of strong convictions and service, Lucy owned and taught driver safety courses at Kingsville Defensive Driving School. Her dedication to community was evident in her many roles: Regent of Kingsville Daughters of the American Revolution, Assistant Regent in Maryland, and Chairman of the Gulf Coast Regents Council, where she organized events for state DAR representatives. She also served as District Chair for Gulf Coast Cub Scouts and volunteered as an ESL instructor. Patriotism and civic responsibility were central to her character.

Lucy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Kingsville, where Gary served as a deacon, and she joyfully helped with Vacation Bible School for many years. Her faith guided her life, grounded her service, and sustained her through every season.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a church service at 3:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Kingsville. Interment will take place on Friday, January 30, from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m., at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Lucy Lipscomb lived a life of purpose, service, and strength. She will be remembered for her steady love, gracious spirit, and lasting example to all who knew her.