Lenabell (Lyn) Sohns

Lenabell (Lyn) Eileen Sohns was born on December 13, 1931, at The Grove, Texas. Jesus received her home, Friday morning, October 25, 2024, a few weeks short of her 93rd birthday. Daughter of Karl Rudolf Drosche and Frieda (Tolkmitt) Drosche, she was baptized December 27, 1931 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in The Grove. She was confirmed April 15, 1946, also at St. Paul. Her early education included St. Paul Lutheran School and The Grove High School. She married Rev. Dr. Wilbert J. Sohns on June 9, 1957, also at St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was “sent” by God as a devoted Pastor’s Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother.

God gave her many ways to be sent and to serve in congregations. It was exemplified as a Sunday School teacher, mid-week schoolteacher, Bible classes, Altar Guild, LWML, LLL, Quilting groups, etc. Her role as pastor’s wife and District President’s wife allowed her to shine as a hostess, mentor, and a partner with her husband. She was well known for hospitality with lay people, pastors/wives, District Presidents, Missionaries, and National Leaders of the LCMS. She was appreciated for her humble attitude of service and wry sense of humor as she served in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Illinois, and Texas.

Her love of mission included engaging with her husband in visitation of congregations, overseas mission fields and partner churches, as well as being a co-founder of The Jesus is Lord Mission Society (2002). Most recently, she lived out her sending as a resident of The Meadows Nursing Home. She developed relationships with residents and staff, sharing Jesus’ love through caring for and encouraging them as she had with so many others throughout her life. Among her family, she was beloved for providing a loving home, home-baked goods, Wendish noodles, and many favorites that included Onion Rye Bread. There was always a quilt, or an embroidery project in process around the home. Her willingness to play dominos, cards, or other games with children and grandchildren provided hours of fun, which helped develop loving and deeper relationships.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Rev. Dr. Wilbert (Will) J. Sohns; sons Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Sohns and wife, Ursula of Spring, and Michael A. Sohns and wife, Julia of The Grove; Six grandchildren: Aaron Sohns, Benjamin Sohns and wife, Jessica, and David Sohns all of Spring, Kristen Bristow of Georgetown, Nicole Lam and husband, Jeff of Waco, and Connor Sohns of Gatesville; Great-grandchildren Lincoln and Lenabell Bristow, Adam and Lauren Lam; Siblings: Ella Nora Sohns, Louise Drosche and Iona Knoernschild, and sister-in-law Joan Sohns; Nephews: Jimmy Sohns and wife, Sharon, Tim Sohns and wife, Stephanie, Robert Sohns and wife, Cheryl, Rick Sohns, Jeff Knoernschild, and niece, Paula Weinberg and husband, Harold; and numerous great nieces and nephews. 

Lenabell was preceded in death by her parents; brother Carl (Sonny) Drosche, and brothers-in-law Ralph Sohns, Lawrence Sohns and Edwin Knoernschild.

She lived out her life reflecting her Confirmation verse from Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” The hymn, “Let us Ever Walk with Jesus,” was sung at her own wedding and at confirmations and weddings of her own children, grandchildren and other family members. A special memory will always be of singing that same hymn to her at her bedside shortly before she moved from this life of struggle into the loving arms of her Savior. Throughout her life, she truly experienced walking with Jesus, suffering with Jesus, dying with Jesus, and now, living with Jesus. 

Let us al­so die with Je­sus. His death from the se­cond death, From our soul’s de­struc­tion, frees us, Quickens us with life’s glad breath. Let us mor­ti­fy, while liv­ing, Flesh and blood and die to sin; And the grave that shuts us in Shall but prove the gate to Hea­ven. Jesus, here I die to Thee There to live eter­nal­ly.

To God be the Glory

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in The Grove, with Rev. Ken Hennings and Pastor John Heckman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be directed to the Memorial Fund at St. Paul Lutheran Church for memorial trees to be planted on the church grounds. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 220 The Grove Rd., Gatesville, TX 76528.