Louise Self

Longtime Abilene resident and educator, Louise Self, 98, died Monday, August 10, 2020. Graveside services will be Thursday, August 13, 11:30 am at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, Texas, with Jordan Ogden officiating. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Miss Self was born March 12, 1922 in Santo, Palo Pinto County, TX to S.I. Self and Mary Amy Stell Self. She attended schools in Santo and Denton. Louise obtained the following degrees: Bachelor of Science from North Texas State University, Master of Science from North Texas State University, and furthered her education with additional work from University of Texas, University of Delaware, and McMurry College. Louise was the Abilene High 1962 Flashlight Honoree: “Miss Louise Self, we honor you… for your smiling hello and friendly nod whenever we meet you in the hall, for your work as a dedicated teacher of biology, for your eagerness to help students solve their personal problems as well as their classroom problems, for your unselfish desire to broaden and strengthen our minds and character, for your diligent and faithful work as a sponsor of the sophomore class and the Nurses Club, in addition to your faculty committee work, for your loyalty to Abilene High School and your tremendous school spirit when you attend school activities, for all these wonderful qualities, we dedicate the 1962 flashlight to you.” On December 6, 1968, the President of the Abilene Classroom Teachers Association, Bill Bradshaw, wrote: “I am most grateful for the many, many hours you have spent in the betterment of the education profession. I can think of no better words than those of the committee when we said, ‘For years of faithful service in the teaching profession and for your constant efforts to aid the cause of the classroom teachers. We are proud of you.’” Her educational, professional, and community activities included teaching at NTSU, (three years), Gladewater, TX (five years), and over 40 years in Abilene…28 of those in the field of Biology. Additionally, Biologists Club and Sophomore Class Sponsor (1966-1968); Abilene Zoo Society, Director (1967); Abilene Girls Home, Director (1962); Abilene High School’s Flashlight Dedicatee (1962); Freedoms Foundation Medal Winner (1952), National Education Association, Delegate (1953); National Science Teachers Association; Delta Kappa Gamma, Treasurer (1966-1968); Texas State Teachers Association, Delegate (1963, 1967); Texas Classroom Teacher Association, Delegate (1966-1968); Oilbelt District VII TSTA Chairman (1966); Taylor County Unit of TSTA (1963), Science Teachers Association of Texas; Abilene Classroom Teachers Association, Vice President; Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Board Member; Resolution Committee Chairman; Curriculum and Program Committee Member; Resolution Committee Chairman, Program Committee Member (1966-1968); TSTA District 14 President-Elect (1973); TSTA District 14 President (1974). Aunt Louise will always be remembered for her gentle kindness and thoughtfulness of others. She was a constant encourager to all and very independent. She always had a sincere interest in her family and friends asking “What did you do today?” “How is all your family?” and “What do you have planned for tomorrow?” Aunt Louise always had positive thoughts and said, ”Don’t worry as things will work out.” She enjoyed her plants, flowers, and animals especially birds and frogs. She loved to visit in person or by phone. Aunt Louise was a faithful correspondent by letter and postcards until her eyesight declined. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. Her influence as an educator continues to bless the lives of generations of Abilene High School students who passed through her classroom. Aunt Louise’s life reflected the scriptures: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” Romans 15:5 Louise Self was preceded in death by her parents S.I. Self and Mary Self, brother Quinby Self, sisters Mable Self Sligh and Ona Self, and lifelong friend Aleise Cline. Survivors include nephew Charles Sligh, Jr. of Waco; niece Mary Self Black and husband Steve of Austin; niece Alice Sligh Ogden and husband Greg of Waco; niece Jane Self of Denton; nephew Tom Self and wife Linda of Dallas; great-nieces and nephews, Charles Sligh, III and wife Kim, Chase Sligh and wife Stacy, Jordan Ogden and wife Christy, and Geoffrey Ogden and wife LeeAnn, Miles Sapp, Amy Benenate, Zeke Benenate, Jacob Benenate, Sarah Parker and husband Daniel, Rachel Breeding and husband David, Thatcher Self and Daniel Self; multiple great-great-nieces and nephews; and Stell and Self family cousins, as well as her Abilene neighbors and friends. The family wishes to thank Dr. Samantha Goodman, Dr. Gary Holland, Dr. Brett Teague, and Dr. Ferral Endsley for their years of thoughtful professional care. Also to the entire staff of the Visiting Angels of Abilene who made it possible for Louise to live out her wishes to stay in Abilene independently and provided her with loving care and friendship, with special appreciation to Brittney Gilliam, Lidia Escobedo, Mary Westerman, Nora Smith, Jazmine Lewis, Emily Maxfield, and Janice Tittle. Additional thanks to the entire staff of Covenant Place of Abilene especially David Collins, Lorena Gomez, Sierra Gonzales, Frank Gutierrez, Tamarin Barr, and Kristen Stone. Aunt Louise’s doctors, Visiting Angels, and Covenant Place have all have been her Heroes! The Hamil Family has been a blessing to our Aunt Louise and family. Memorials may be sent to the Abilene Zoological Park, 2070 Zoo Lane, Abilene, Texas 79602 or Cameron Park Zoological Society, 1703 N. 4th Street, Waco, Texas 76707. Memories may be shared and condolences submitted online at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com