Born Oct. 18, 1948 to Victor and Viola Konvicka of Hallettsville, Lillie helped with her family farm and a was regular in the family's Worthing Brass Band before leaving to Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos to obtain degrees in math and science, and later, a master's degree in education from the University of Houston. She devoted her career to teaching young people, working with children and student teachers at schools in Port Lavaca, Gonzales, Yoakum, Rice Consolidated, Bloomington, Wharton Palacios and Lake Jackson, many of whom still kept close contact with her even after her 2004 retirement brought her 36 years in education to a close.

Lillie was a caring wife and mother, who enjoyed the outdoors and visiting the family farm as often as she could. She was a lifelong member of the Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Czech Heritage Society and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Lake Jackson. She died early Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at a Houston hospital following a prolonged illness.

Lillie leaves behind her devoted husband of 37 years, James Horecka of Lake Jackson; her mother, Viola Konvicka of Hallettsville; one son, Bobby Horecka and wife, Traci, of China Spring; three grandchildren, Cheyanne Mathis, Bradley Horecka and Aryn Rose Horecka, all of China Spring; one sister, Irene Remlinger and husband, Chuck, of Katy; one brother-in-law, David Horecka and wife, Brenda, of Victoria; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Visitation will take place Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville, with a rosary recited that night at 7 p.m. Burial will be at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery, and a reception at Blase's Hall afterward.

Pallbearers: Craig Remlinger, Kirk Remlinger, Franklin Mozisek, Blase Kovicka Jr., Donald Grahmann, and Robert Grahmann.

Memorials may be Donor's Choice.