Elizabeth Ann Willhelm
Elizabeth Ann Willhelm, 92, of Dickinson, Texas, passed away on February 4, 2025, tired, but satisfied and at peace. Elizabeth was born July 19, 1932, in Galveston, Texas to loving parents George Washington Dayhoff and Elizabeth Ann (nee Claussen) Dayhoff. Elizabeth was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, cousin, aunt, and friend to so many people. Elizabeth met the love of her life, Joseph Arthur Willhelm, Sr., in 1947 and married him in 1951. They shared an amazing 75 years together, Joe passing in June of 2022 just days before their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Elizabeth gave birth to their first son, “Little” Joe, while “Big” Joe was an Army lieutenant serving in Alaska during the Korean War. Their second son, Keith, was born while Joe attended Texas A&M, and daughter Gayle during a brief stint in Peoria, Illinois, where Joe was working for Caterpillar Inc. Not long after returning home to Texas, Steven and Timothy came along. Elizabeth was part “tiger” mom, part “free range” mom, part “elephant” mom, as if those as yet uncoined adjectives could adequately describe the dedication and pride she put into raising her children and building a family. She threw her entire being into the effort. To her last days, it was her greatest joy.
Elizabeth was a proud BOI (“born on the Island”). She met Joe (another BOI) there and acquired the nickname “Ed” (for her initials) while attending Ball High School. A talented pianist who sight read with ease, she played for the high school dance club. She always held her hometown and her many hometown friends close to her heart. The same was true of Dickinson, where she and Joe made their home after returning to Texas. She was ever active in school affairs, especially in supporting the Fighting Gator Band. She taught Sunday School at Holy Trinity Episcopal church. Somehow, she found time for other charitable endeavors. She gave over 10,000 hours of volunteer service – including as its President – to the “Pink Ladies,” a women’s auxiliary that supported the mission of what was then known as Galveston Memorial Hospital. She was a skilled bridge player, treasured by her partners and coveted by her opponents.
The uninformed might see her as having been a typical ‘50s stay at home mom, but Elizabeth joyfully took advantage of the new opportunities demanded by women of her generation. She worked for H&R Block as a tax return preparer along with her mother. Later, with nerves of steel honed to precision by her teenage children, she put her life on the line with hundreds of sweaty palmed, would-be licensed drivers as a driver’s ed teacher for Texas Region IV.
Elizabeth packed the kids into the station wagon and captained several legendary family vacations, but after she retired from teaching in 1997, she truly kicked her wanderlust into high gear. Usually with Joe, but often with lady friends and family, she visited most every country on earth. (Only a slight exaggeration.) Still, she was happiest at home surrounded by family, and it was her beloved Joe that occupied her final thoughts.
Elizabeth is preceded in death by Joe, her parents, grandparents, her brothers George, Eldred “Gene,” and Allan, and her infant granddaughter, Jessi Willhelm.
Left to cherish her amazing life are her sisters, Lenora Farinola (Pino) and Susan Storzum, five children, Joseph Willhelm, Jr (Donna), Keith Willhelm (Mirela), Gayle Couch (Todd), Steven Willhelm (Sandra), and Timothy Willhelm, eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. All are in her debt.
Please join us in celebrating Elizabeth’s life on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 4613 Texas Highway 3, Dickinson, Texas 77539. Funeral services will commence at 10:00 a.m., but the church will open at 9:00 a.m. for visitation. A brief graveside service will follow, and then a luncheon in the church parish hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital (https://scottishriteforchildren.org).