In Loving Memory
Annabelle Fairchild Stringer
6/8/1918 — 7/1/2015
Claybar-Funeral-Home
A Life Remembered
Obituary
Memorial Services for Annabelle Fairchild Stringer will be held at the Claybar Funeral Home Chapel, Tuesday July 7 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. before the service. Officiating the service will be Father Jim Sichko, pastor of St Mark's Catholic Church in Richmond, KY. Father Jim was a special young man to Middie. She hated flying but flew to Kentucky to see him ordained into the priesthood although she was a member of First United Methodist Church.
It is hard to explain how special she made us all feel. We all thought we were her favorite. She lived her life to make her family happy.
Annabelle was born in East Texas on June 08, 1918 to Idonia Thompson and John Washington Fairchild. She moved to Orange in 1936 at the age of seventeen with the couple who owned the Mary Ann Cafe. While working at the cafe she met the love of her life Bill Stringer. They married two months later, on Christmas Day. Their life together continued for 47 years until Bill's death in 1983. They raised their children in a wonderful home full of love, laughter, and discipline with a switch when we needed it.
She made all of her daughters’ clothes. She also baked pies daily for when we came home from school and attended all our events. She was the strong wife and mother behind the scenes doing everything for her husband and children.
In later years her children and grandchildren spent summers, weekends and holidays at Middie and Paw Bill's "Country" near Bon Weir on the Sabine River. She spent the years after Bill passed away enjoying her grandchildren, great-grand-children and many friends. She loved having margarita parties for her friend's birthdays and special events. She was known for her welcoming home and wonderful cooking, and beautiful gardens. Christmas Eve was always magical and we were all so excited to see what was on the buffet.
Annabelle is survived by her daughter Betty Trotter, son Bill Stringer and wife Cheri of Austin, daughter Peggy Claybar and husband F. David; Grandchildren Laurie Trotter Cook and Kimberly Johnson, Wil Trotter and wife Shawn, Chris Trotter and wife Kari, Alyson Steakley and husband Stephen, Cody Stringer and wife Davina, Lannie L. Claybar and wife Melanie, David Christian Claybar and wife Jennifer. Great-grandchildren Amanda, Bryan, Lauren, Aaron, Drake, Matte, Savannah, Brylynn, Annabelle, Caroline, Alyssa, Walker, Colton and Keller Christian; Great-Great-Grandchildren Luke and Jeffery; and her sister Bernice LeVrier.
We would like to thank the staff of Pinehurst Nursing and Rehabilitation and Southeast Texas Hospice for the loving care of our Middie. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be sent to these organizations in Annabelle's memory or the Alzheimer's Association - 700 North St. Beaumont, TX 77701. In addition, a very special thank you to the late Dr. Steve Mazzola for the many years of great care he provided.
It is hard to explain how special she made us all feel. We all thought we were her favorite. She lived her life to make her family happy.
Annabelle was born in East Texas on June 08, 1918 to Idonia Thompson and John Washington Fairchild. She moved to Orange in 1936 at the age of seventeen with the couple who owned the Mary Ann Cafe. While working at the cafe she met the love of her life Bill Stringer. They married two months later, on Christmas Day. Their life together continued for 47 years until Bill's death in 1983. They raised their children in a wonderful home full of love, laughter, and discipline with a switch when we needed it.
She made all of her daughters’ clothes. She also baked pies daily for when we came home from school and attended all our events. She was the strong wife and mother behind the scenes doing everything for her husband and children.
In later years her children and grandchildren spent summers, weekends and holidays at Middie and Paw Bill's "Country" near Bon Weir on the Sabine River. She spent the years after Bill passed away enjoying her grandchildren, great-grand-children and many friends. She loved having margarita parties for her friend's birthdays and special events. She was known for her welcoming home and wonderful cooking, and beautiful gardens. Christmas Eve was always magical and we were all so excited to see what was on the buffet.
Annabelle is survived by her daughter Betty Trotter, son Bill Stringer and wife Cheri of Austin, daughter Peggy Claybar and husband F. David; Grandchildren Laurie Trotter Cook and Kimberly Johnson, Wil Trotter and wife Shawn, Chris Trotter and wife Kari, Alyson Steakley and husband Stephen, Cody Stringer and wife Davina, Lannie L. Claybar and wife Melanie, David Christian Claybar and wife Jennifer. Great-grandchildren Amanda, Bryan, Lauren, Aaron, Drake, Matte, Savannah, Brylynn, Annabelle, Caroline, Alyssa, Walker, Colton and Keller Christian; Great-Great-Grandchildren Luke and Jeffery; and her sister Bernice LeVrier.
We would like to thank the staff of Pinehurst Nursing and Rehabilitation and Southeast Texas Hospice for the loving care of our Middie. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be sent to these organizations in Annabelle's memory or the Alzheimer's Association - 700 North St. Beaumont, TX 77701. In addition, a very special thank you to the late Dr. Steve Mazzola for the many years of great care he provided.
Service Details
Gatherings in remembrance
Visitation
Tuesday, July 7, 2015 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Claybar Funeral Home Orange, 504 5th Street, Orange, 77630
Memorial Service
Tuesday, July 7, 2015 · 3:00 PM
Claybar Funeral Home Orange, 504 5th Street, Orange, 77630
Messages of Love
From family and friends
Carrie Woliver
July 8, 2015
Annabelle was a delightful lady who was a sweet friend to my dear mother, Katherine Joiner, who lived just a few houses down on Encore. And in her younger years, she and her family lived just down the block on 14th Street. Her son, Bill, graduated with me at Stark. I know she will be missed by all. I will buy a brick for the Depot in her memory. Carrie (Pat Joiner) Woliver
Anonymous
July 6, 2015
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Annabelle Fairchild Stringer.
Anonymous
July 6, 2015
Secret Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Annabelle Fairchild Stringer.
Doris Ostrander
July 6, 2015
It is difficult to find adequate words to pay tribute to such a special individual. I can not remember my childhood when my aunt, we called her Pee Wee, wasn't a major part of it. So many memories were made in her home at the corner of Cypress, 1301, 1312, 13 something. I remember the floor plan to this day like my own home. It was always welcoming and exciting. She was the perfect hostess and always perfectly groomed. She was so gifted and succeeded at whatever she decided to do. What a role-model for all of us. Betty, you were about 4 and Butch, about 2; I was probably 12. After my family moved to Port Arthur, when she came to visit she ALWAYS came via Beaumont. She refused to drive over the Rainbow Bridge. Betty, Peg and Butch (that all I ever knew you as), my deepest sympathy to you and your families. Celebrate the long life God granted her and the indelible handprint she left on each of you. Lovingly, Doris Hawthorne Ostrander Louisville, CO
Tommy & Debbie Andrus And Randy & Kay Jarrell
July 6, 2015
Tommy & Debbie Andrus and Randy & Kay Jarrell purchased the Large Basket Garden for the family of Annabelle Fairchild Stringer.
Anonymous
July 6, 2015
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Annabelle Fairchild Stringer.
Anonymous
July 4, 2015
Heavenly and Harmony was purchased for the family of Annabelle Fairchild Stringer.
Mary Martell'S Children ~ Barbara, Ron, Don, Randy & Spouses
July 4, 2015
Mary Martell's children ~ Barbara, Ron, Don, Randy & spouses purchased the Sentiments of Serenity Spray for the family of Annabelle Fairchild Stringer.
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Provided by
Claybar Funeral Home