Samona Marlene Gilcrease, age 86, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the Schleicher County Medical Center in Eldorado, Texas. She was preceded in death by her father, Edgar Ireland “Tump” McLain; her brother, Edgar Eugene “Gus” McLain; and her husband of 59 years, Arnold Gilcrease.
Dubbed by her brother Gus as “Sitter,” the nickname stuck and is what most people called her by. Born September 28, 1936 in Littlefield, Texas, Sitter grew up on the family farm in Castro County and later attended cosmetology school in Amarillo, Texas. She married Arnold Gilcrease February 25, 1956 in Crown Point, Indiana, and later moved to Hart, Texas, where she was a farmer’s wife, dedicated homemaker and professional seamstress.
A beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Sitter touched the lives of many people with her kindness and on many occasions, a baked good. Known for her prowess in the kitchen, she loved and served many through home-cooked meals. Whether it be a delicious coconut cream cake, “Sunday tacos,” fried okra, or her seasonal pumpkin bread, Sitter’s love language started in the kitchen. Many in Sutton County were privileged enough to enjoy a slice or two when Sitter churned out countless goodies for the public once moving to Sonora in 1997.
In addition, Sitter was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sonora, Texas. She was active in and especially close to her Sunday school class and she served alongside her friends through her gifts of hospitality and serving meals. A talented seamstress, crocheter, and needlepoint enthusiast, Sitter lovingly made countless works of art including remarkable, one-of-a-kind “chrismom” ornaments for the FUMC Christmas tree which are displayed each year.
Sitter is survived by daughter, Cindy and husband Rick Bounds of Sonora; daughter, Tamie and husband Glen Love of Sonora; granddaughter, McKenzie and husband Embre Smith of Riverside, California; granddaughter, Sterling De Los Santos, of Stockdale, Texas; Chris Neal of San Antonio, Texas; great granddaughter Kennedy Neal of San Antonio, Texas; and great grandson Pecos De Los Santos of Stockdale, Texas. Sitter is also survived by a very dear niece, Jerry and husband Bruce Card of Sachse, Texas, cherished friend, Diana Condra of Sonora, and numerous extended family members and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in honor of Sitter can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Sonora or the American Heart Association.
