Lola Faye Naylor

Lola Faye (Owens) Naylor, age 89, passed away peacefully, December 20, 2019, in New Braunfels, Texas.

Faye was born June 28, 1930, in Amarillo to Sam and Cassie Owens. She graduated from Hedley High Cchool and went on to business college in Lubbock after graduation. After attending college for a short time, she returned to Amarillo and soon after began dating the future love her of life, T.E. Naylor, who she would later marry on November 14, 1948. Faye was a true pioneer woman with a love for the farm and ranch that remained with her until her last days. She worked alongside her husband tending to their ranch and farm while being a housewife, bookkeeper and mother to their four children. She was his right hand and continued managing and tending to their legacy long after he passed away. Their home place became the gathering spot for many cousins throughout the summer months.

She was known for her “Eagle Eyes” and could spot a cow out three pastures away. Faye loved her family and enjoyed big family gatherings. For many years, she would travel near and far to spend time with her family. From the Owens reunions in California to the Bell reunions in Amarillo, Faye loved spending time with and being near her family. Faye’s favorites were fried chicken and strawberry shortcake. She loved cooking and was famous for her rolls, known by all the grand’s as “Mimie’s Rolls”, her hot-water cornbread, and her fried pork loin breakfasts with eggs sunny-side up. She was always cooking whether it be for family or friends or anyone who happened to show up at the back door. She was a servant to her skill making fresh banana bread or plum jelly on more than one occasion for friends during their times of need.

Faye loved to travel and did a lot of it while pursuing her business of selling Home Interiors. She enjoyed meeting new people and fostering friendships all over the Texas Panhandle. She was an excellent host and hosted many successful Home Interior parties throughout the years. She was a strong, disciplined woman who did well pursuing this love and enjoyed sharing her business with her loved ones. For many years, her grandchildren were able to “shop at Mimie’s” for all of their last-minute gifting needs. Later in life Faye found a second love in Sam Hawkins and they spent several wonderful years together until his passing.

Faye loved God and her church. For many years, she would end her day while reading her bible and praying in her rocking chair before bed. She was servant of the Lord and continued her service making contributions to those in need until her last days. She would often refer to her favorite verse and made it the foundation from which she lived her life, Psalms 23 – “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Cassie Owens; her husband, Thomas Earl Naylor Jr, her son, Tex Wayne Naylor; and her three grandchildren, Thomas Earl Naylor IV, Jamie Frye and Blake Frye.

Faye is survived by her two daughters Geneva Lee Naylor and Linda Faye Lewis and her husband Jerry; grandchildren, Seth McAfee and his wife Cara, Fayeth Hall, Matt Naylor and his wife Stephanie, Tara Jackson and her husband Steve, Jared Naylor and his wife Kati, and Ethan Naylor and his wife Danyale; great grandchildren, Ryan Frye and his wife Amy, Riplee and Pyper McAfee, Cash and Mac Naylor, Natalie and Jett Frye, Ava and Madison Jackson, Tex Naylor and Esmae Naylor, and Henry Brown and great great grandchild Sadie Frye. She is also survived by her brothers and sister, cousins and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of her life was held on Monday, December 23, 2019. Graveside services followed at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of her favorite organizations; Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch, Samaritan’s Purse or Rowe Cemetery.