Lillian Alva Bierner

Lillian Alva Morrow Bierner was born February 20, 1926, in Temple, OK, and died January 18, 2021 in Dallas, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Monroe Sherman Bierner, her parents Thomas and Flossye Morrow, her brother TJ, and her sisters Margaret, Mary Estelle, Edith, and Loma Roselle (Winkie). She is survived by her son Samuel M. Bierner (Joseph Pinson III), her daughter Sally Wells (Wayne), her grandchildren Christopher Keeping, Rachel Jackson, Sara Bierner, and Hanna Bierner, and four great-grandchildren. The family gratefully recognizes Carolyn Payne for her compassionate caregiving and steadfast devotion to our mother over the past ten years. Lillian was the youngest in her family and especially idolized her brother TJ who died in combat when his plane crashed in Belgium. In 2004 with several family members, she was able to attend a special memorial for her brother and the other soldiers killed in that crash of 1944, in whose memory the townspeople unveiled a plaque in recognition of these heroes. Lillian and her sisters were known collectively as the Morrow sisters, and they were a formidable group who made sure their families gathered several times a year and were informed of anyone in need. Whether it was bringing food to someone who was ill or recovering at home or gathering at a hospital to comfort a family member in distress, Lillian and her four sisters always placed family first. She loved cooking and took several cooking classes to expand her knowledge. She also loved gardening - growing roses and other flowers, as well as okra, squash, peppers, tomatoes and garlic, all of which were used in her cooking. Lillian and Monroe traveled in mid-life enjoying several cruises and trips around the Mediterranean. A winter vacation to Hawaii became their favorite destination to relax and make new friends. They were both social people who made friends and acquaintances and kept in touch with them over the years. In thinking about her life, her children realize our mother loved people and staying connected with family. She always wanted to be on the go. As Carolyn told us repeatedly, Mom would say "Carolyn, let's get out of here!" She wanted to see the world, whether from the car window or on a ship's deck. She didn't have any time to waste! Donations in her memory can be made to: University of Nebraska Foundation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Excellence Fund: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01148700/ Temple Israel Omaha https://www.templeisraelomaha.com/ Temple Emanu-El Clergy Combined Good Works Fund https://participate.tedallas.org/philanthropy/tributes Parkland Foundation https://www.istandforparkland.org/ways-to-give or the Food Bank of your area

Lillian Alva Bierner

February 20, 1926 - January 18, 2021