A surpised Lillian Stubbs, at her birthday party.

Lillian Stubbs of Seadrift was honored with a surprise birthday party right after morning Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Seadrift on February 1st. Everyone went to the new Parish Hall for the event, where they were joined by family members and friends from the Seadrift community.

Along the wall inside the hall were displays of Lillian’s history, beginning with her Polish Catholic immigrant ancestors, her life on the farm, her nursing career, and concluding with her life in Seadrift.

Lillian and Van Stubbs came to Seadrift in 1961. They had just started building the Seadrifter Motel when Hurricane Carla came. Because of Carla, they lost their home next to the motel, rented a house to live in, and started rebuilding the motel.

Van worked for Texas Department of Health and Welfare while Lillian managed things at home. She worked the motel business while they invested in other properties in the area.

Van passed in 1998. Lillian has kept her businesses going while allowing her children to make investments in them as well.

She has three children: Tanya, married to Elmer DeForest, Christopher Stubbs who lives in San Antonio, and Sidney Stubbs who lives in Victoria.

Lillian is known for her dogged tenacity in keeping her businesses going. People around town know her as Mrs. Stubbs, one hard-working lady!

Sunday’s party began with Reverend Oliver Obele leading everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” and giving Lillian his blessing. There were speeches by family and friends. The Dance Company from Port Lavaca performed some numbers in honor of Lillian.

Everyone had a great time celebrating the life of one of Seadrift’s grand ladies!