Heloise Munson

Heloise "Ouji" Munson, a pillar in the community passed away on October 28, 2021, at the age of 85.

Visitation will be Friday, November 5, 2021 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at King Solomon Baptist Church 1050 Minda Street, Abilene, Texas. Funeral Services will be Saturday November 6, 2021 at 10:00am at King Solomon Baptist Church 1050 Minda Street, Abilene, Texas. Burial will follow the services at Elmwood Memorial Park 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.

She was born December 4, 1935, to Rosalee & Leonard (Fess) Munson in Calvert (Roberson County), Texas. At the age of five the family moved to Abilene where she attended school at Carter G. Woodson and was a cheerleader during her high school years. Ouji worked at the Dyess Non-Commissioned Officers Club for over thirty years. She was a volunteer and board member of Meals-on-Wheels for over 20 years. As a special advisor to the Mayor and Abilene City Council, Ouji was a fierce advocate for social justice and reform. She was a pivotal driving force for cameras to be installed in police interrogation rooms insuring the rights and integrity of all individuals. As a servant of our Lord and Saviour, she fulfilled the role as Mother and protector for many in the community. In addition to, being a faithful member of her congregation, she a leader of the Hospitality Committee, The Usher Board, and Choir Member. Her contributions in the community were well-noticed by being a member of the Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce, Women's Axillary VFW Post 6873, Red Hatter's Club, Stone Gate Ministry, and a patron of Arts was a Lifetime Member at The Grace Museum. It was her continued faith in the Lord that kept her going despite life's challenges.

Her home was a delightful gathering place for food and good times with family and friends. She was well known for her banana pudding and delicious pecan pies. She cherished the Dallas Cowboys and going to Bingo.

As a matriarch, her love extended beyond great-great Grandmother and friend. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met. She will be greatly missed for her smile, honesty, kind word, respected mother, and impeccable taste and fashion sense. Everyone loved Ouji and the community of Abilene, Texas will truly miss her.

Heaven has certainly gained an angel. Go get your wings for a life well lived.

Heloise is survived by eight children, Sharon Penns. (John), Shella Young, Kerry Munson, Angela "Lisa" Buckhannon, Anita Taylor, (Jay), Regina Wiley, Phyllis Wiley, Carlos "Terry" Munson, extended daughter Sonji Crittenton.

Also, three nieces (Daphne Hines, Brenda Christian, Carla Munson), 1 nephew (Larry Munson ), 13 Grandchildren (7 Girls, 6 Boys), 13 Great Grandchildren (8 Boys, 5 Girls), and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren (3 Boys, 3 Girls) and a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rosalee and Leonard "Fess" Munson, her sister Jeanette Munson, her brother John "Lil-Brother" Munson and one niece Tonya "Toni" Walker.