Georgie Lee Kahl
Georgie Lee Kahl, 93, went to join her heavenly Father on Monday, December 11, 2017, surrounded by her family and caregivers.
Georgie Lee was born in El Paso on December 17, 1923, the daughter of Sargie and Frank Jones. She was the granddaughter of two pioneer ranching families – Alice and Bill Jones and Lola and Joe Espy. She grew up on a ranch outside of Fort Davis, starting school in Fort Davis and attending Marfa schools when the family moved to Marfa. She graduated from Gulf Park High School in Gulf Port, Mississippi. She attended Hockaday Junior College in Dallas and transferred to the University of Texas.
Georgie Lee married C.M. “Fritz” Kahl on May 19, 1944. After Fritz’s discharge from the Army Air Corps, they moved to Point of Rocks ranch near Fort Davis where Fritz began ranching with his father-in-law. In 1964, Fritz became the manager of the Marfa Airport. Georgie loved flying with him and was an enthusiastic participant organizing all the glider contests. She graciously supported Fritz in his many civic and church endeavors.
Georgie Lee was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, both in Fort Davis, teaching Sunday School for a number of years, and in Marfa, where she served as Treasurer for over 40 years.
Georgie Lee was the ultimate sports fan, cheering on Jan and Gail as they played high school basketball, tennis and volleyball. She continued to support Fort Davis football and basketball teams until just a year ago, receiving a rose on Parents’ Night for her dedication to the basketball team.
Bloys Camp Meeting was near and dear to Georgie’s heart. She taught the 3-4 year olds at Mabel Bloys Tabernacle for many years. Her porch was a favorite spot to welcome all who stopped by for a visit, a big slice of rum cake or a pickled egg.
Georgie was a member of two bridge clubs, loved the Wednesday “Lunch Bunch” and looked forward to swimming with her friends during the summer at the Marfa pool. She was always more than willing to pick up those that were unable to drive.
One of Georgie’s favorite pastimes was going to dances. She was usually the first one there and the last one to leave. Another joy in her life was volunteering at the Paisano Hotel welcoming guests and giving tours.
She was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Even until her final days, Georgie loved hearing stories and wanted to stay connected with friends and family.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Fritz, and son-in-law, Charky Van Eman. Family left to cherish her memory are daughters Jan Van Eman, Gail (Peter) Cinelli; grandchildren, Bill (Angela) and Murray Van Eman (Jeremiah Birmingham), Erin Cinelli (Ben Slayton) Christina Cinelli (Jim Wilkerson); great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Sam Slayton, Charlie, Henry and George Van Eman, Thomas and Frank Birmingham-Van Eman, and Matthew and Sarah Wilkerson.
The family would like to thank Don Culbertson, PA, and caregivers Lena, Hazel, Leticia, Yolanda and Letty for their love, loyalty and dedication to Georgie during her last years.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, January 13, 2018 at at the First Presbyterian Church in Marfa, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 875, Marfa, TX 79843; the Jones, Finley, Espy Memorial Fund at Bloys Camp Meeting, c/o Lynda McKnight, PO Box 1042, Fort Davis, TX 79734; the Marfa Public Library, PO Box U, Marfa, TX 79843; or a charity of your choice.