Lorna L Goldsberry

Modesto, California/Donna: Lorna L Goldsberry passed away on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016.
She was born on November 6th, 1939 to Ralph and Zula Medearis. Lorna had two sisters, Jo and Donna Rae, and a brother Ronald. She was raised in Empire California. Her father Ralph worked for the Modesto School District while her mother Zula worked for the Empire School District and Tri-Valley cannery and Teamsters union.
While she was young she learned to play the piano and organ and became a music enthusiast. She loved music of all sorts and she was the pianist and organist at her church.
Lorna worked as a legal secretary throughout her career. While she was working for Robert Nickerson, in Modesto, California one of her co-workers set up a lunch date for her. It was love at first sight. She and Dennis would marry on May 26th, 1961.
She would pursue her career working for Francis W Halley, who later became a judge and Ron La Force in Modesto, California.
They raised their family in Modesto. First born was Kevin Goldsberry, on April 3rd, 1958, followed by Kelly and Korie.
While living in Modesto, in addition to their day-jobs Lorna and Dennis who was employed by Shell Development had their own vineyard and they made their own wine. They even built their own wine cellar. They traveled all over California visiting others vineyards. When the children were young, they spent a lot of time fishing, hunting and camping. Some camping trips were 50 mile backpack expeditions. One of their favorite campsites was Yosemite in the Sierra’s, where they would visit many times.
Dennis and Lorna moved to the valley in 1981 and settled in Donna, Texas, where they would spend the rest of their lives together. That year, October 26th, they were blessed with their first granddaughter, Megan, followed by Ashley and Jordan.
Lorna was a very talented legal secretary and she quickly found a job and worked for Champ Jones, then James Lauderdale for over 30 years, where she would retire.
One of Lorna’s hobbies was traveling and she was fortunate to be able to enjoy this with her husband. They travelled all over the United States, visiting nearly every state. They traveled to Mexico several times, visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and Real de la Catorce, which was the local silver mining town. They had to get there through a mile-long tunnel and then camped out in the woods. They would travel to Alaska three times, twice on a cruise and once, on a two week long Motor Home Tour. They were even able to take their granddaughter on a trip to Washington DC and Canada. Lorna was able to see the world and enjoyed nature’s beauty.

Lorna loved to play solitaire on her tablet, she loved to work cross word puzzles. She loved board games and Yahtzee was one of the favorites and was a family pastime.
She was also great with numbers and could remember numbers and combinations quite easily. She was fascinated by number combinations, whether it was months, license plates, dates, times and phone numbers.
Lorna was an avid Cowboy’s fan and didn’t miss a game. Dennis fondly remembers them being at a meeting in Dallas and it was pouring down rain. Lorna insisted that they visit the new stadium so she touch it. Even after her stroke, when she was trying to rehab, she remembered to watch the game.
Lorna loved to be around people in general and was very outgoing. She always wanted to make sure everyone had enough to eat, many times to much, sliding a plate in front of them even if they were full.
Lorna was a very humble lady and loved a simple lifestyle, frequently opting for camping over a hotel. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting out on the pier at the Arroyo and just enjoying the scenery.
All in all, the kids and Dennis remember that the kids and later grandkids, always came first and were Lorna’s top priority.
Loren will always be remembered for her love of family, friends, laughter, entertaining and comforting others.
Lorna is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Dennis, her three children, Kevin Goldsberry (Vallejo), Kelly Goldsberry (Donna), Kori Brunes (Weslaco), 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, sister Jo Medearis, and brother, Ronald Medearis (Donna), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Zula Medearis, and her sister Donna Rae Huckabay.


Visitation will be held on Friday, from 5-8, with a Celebration of Life, at 7pm at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel in Weslaco.