Leila Mae Erwin

Beloved wife and mother Leila Mae Erwin, age 93, of Groves, passed away Saturday evening, November 9th, at Heartland Healthcare Center in Austin, where she has been living since 2011. Leila Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Erwin, in 2010. She is survived by their son Doug Erwin and his wife Valarie of Austin, two grandchildren Stacey Lahr and Michelle Girard, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. The daughter of Edward W. Allen (Allain) and Ora Mae Cropper Allen, Leila Mae Allen was born in Port Arthur, Texas on February 15, 1920. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1939, Leila Mae attended Port Arthur College and worked for a number of years with Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce. In August 1941, Leila Mae met Fred while he was taking part in the Louisiana Maneuvers in August 1941 as a sergeant in the US Army. Throughout the war years, the couple exchanged letters and spent time together as furloughs permitted. After Fred returned from his active duty in the Phillipines, the couple married in 1946, and took residence in Port Arthur. Leila Mae was a devoted wife and mother. Family and friends were the central themes throughout her life. She was an active member of St. Marks Methodist Church for over 50 years dating back to the early days of that congregation, serving as president of United Methodist Women, and chairing the St. Marks Day School Committee. She also maintained contact with PTA friends who have kept in touch for many years. Leila Mae enjoyed gardening, and was an avid collector of antique glassware and pottery. Returning to her alma mater in the 90s, Leila Mae became active with the Lamar State College, Port Arthur Alumni Association, acting as Treasurer for many years and remains a member of the board of directors today. Funeral services will be held at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Thursday November 14, at 2 pm, with viewing before the service at 1 pm. Rev. Dr. Jesse Brannen of United Methodist Temple will conduct the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Endowment Scholarship Fund for Fred A. and Leila Mae Erwin, Alumni Association, Lamar State College, Port Arthur, PO Box 310, Port Arthur TX 77640-0310.