Lillian LaFern Mitchell Arterburn

Lillian LaFern Mitchell Arterburn of Justin, Texas passed away on June 15, 2023 surrounded by her family.  She was born on August 13, 1930, in Gladewater, Texas to William Huel “Bill” Mitchell and Emma (Vice) Mitchell. Lillian was a graduate of Gladewater High School in 1948.

In 1949, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she worked as an experienced varitype operator.  She later moved to Grand Prairie, Texas where she went to work for Tempco Aerospace (later Chance Vought). She was actively involved in the community theater and was an excellent thespian. She thoroughly enjoyed acting and live theater.

Lillian met and fell in love with Leach Arterburn while working at LTV.  They were married on March 19, 1960. 

Leach and Lillian lived and raised their three sons in Arlington from 1961-1984. In the late 1970’s Lillian worked as an assistant to the Dean of the University of Texas at Arlington in the Electrical Engineering Department.  In 1984, they retired and moved back to her home place in Gladewater, Texas. While in Gladewater she was an Upshur county election judge for several years. She also was a water therapy instructor at the physical therapy center in Kilgore Texas for 17 years. 

In 2011 Lillian moved to Justin to live near her youngest son Kyle and his family. 

Lillian was always a caretaker of others. She performed volunteer work in her community.  She was a founding member of Project BEAT, blood type identification for school children. She transported patients for the Red Cross. She also volunteered at a Crisis Hotline call center by answering incoming phone calls from people in psychological need. Lillian was a hard worker with a lot of grit and determination. She was a unique and resourceful woman who was very intelligent and self-educated. She cared for her family and provided care for others when needed.  Lillian loved spending time with her family and especially her two grandchildren Lauren and Hudson. Most recently, she was very proud of her great grandson, Monty Austin Smith, born to Lauren and Patrick in September of 2022. 

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Leach Arterburn; parents, Bill & Emma Mitchell; one sister and four brothers: Evelyn Camp, Lloyd, John (Jackie), Ardis (Bo) and Bill Mitchell Sr. all of Gladewater. 

She is survived by her three sons, Keith Lee Arterburn of Arlington, TX, Kevin Louis Arterburn and wife Dee of Midlothian, TX and Kyle Len Arterburn and wife Kim of Justin, TX; two grandchildren, Lauren Arterburn Smith and Hudson Arterburn; one great grandson, Monty Smith. As well as several nieces and nephews, grand and great nieces, and nephews.  

The family will have visitation on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at Croley Funeral Home – Gladewater.  Funeral services will follow beginning at 1:00PM.  The interment will be at Gladewater Memorial Park.  Following the interment, a reception will be held at Gladewater Bible Church, 115 Money Street, Gladewater, TX 75647.