An Eye for Beauty!

    Most of our more formal/official celebrations in the Gary and John Helen Fellowship Hall, have the “special touch” of Elaine Passman. She has an “eye” for knowing what the occasion calls for and what will (literally) cause people to “marvel” at her creations. When we have receptions for the Life Celebrations of our members, Elaine receives information about the members’ favorite colors, their hobbies, things they loved, and their careers/vocation. She creates very personalized and gorgeous tables that are the perfect reflections of the deceased member. Upon entering the fellowship hall, one stops, takes it all in. There are audible sighs and expressions of awe and wonder. She seems to “get it right” every time. Families find her decorating skills especially endearing, because they “scream” the very essence of the person represented.

    No matter the theme, Elaine has the perfect decorations for every occasion. However, she remembers the “one” time that she came up short. She was doing an event for someone who loved motorcycles; and she did not have a motorcyclist’s “doo-rag!” Every other theme requested of her is part of her vast supply of decorations!!

    I asked Elaine to visit with me in my office so I could get the “skinny” on how she began her interest in decorating. She tells me her husband Stanford (Stan) Passman was the real entrepreneur in the family. He began with a Coins and Collectible’s Shop on Root St., in Killeen. Later, he added collectible stamps and baseball cards (both were extremely popular in those days). Before long, Stan was able to relocate his shop to the newly built Killeen Mall. Stan’s business was a “family affair.” Daughter Kathy was the store manager. Soon, Stan had a shop in Killeen, Harker Heights, and Temple. Everyone in the family had to pitch in.

    Over time he decided to diversify. Stan’s MO in the military was that of Director of Food Services on Ft. Hood. He even provided meals for the military flights going out and coming in from the base. The demand became so high that Stan gathered a young group of young men to help him. He remembers the request for so many meals that he stayed up for seventy-two hours to get the job done. At the seventy-two-hour mark, he, “passed out.” (literally). This led to Stan’s accepting a few catering invitations for weddings, private parties, etc. Again, the entire family was involved. Elaine set up tables and decorated them. Her work was stunning and the invitations kept coming. Soon they had a full-blown catering and decorating business. The invitations snowballed and so did their “business supplies and themed decorations/ figurines.” When I asked Elaine what her favorite themes are she replied, “Christmas events, and Valentine settings.” Several of us have have witnessed Elaine, dressed impeccably, as, “Mrs. Claus. “Ho, ho, ho!”

    Now, do not think she is a “jack of just one trade.” Elaine is always busy. She is an active participant in the United Women in Faith at our church. She is a part of the Killeen Garden Club and is a Bell County Master Gardener. She is a member and chaplain of the Ensign Thomas Huling Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Killeen/Heights Rotary Club. These are the things listed on her business card. I did mention that Elaine is always busy, didn’t I?



    She is currently helping with DAR’s State Regent’s Project, which is a book and accompanying curriculum entitled, Texas, Before the Lone Star. The book is published by The Texas Society of Daughters of the Revolution (TXDAR), with GeorgiAnne Brochstein and Mary Anthony Swartz serving as key editors and project leaders. The goal of the project is to place a copy of the book in EVERY public elementary school library in Texas. The project preserves Texas history, promotes reading, and enhances the Education of Elementary school age students. Additionally, Elaine has proudly discovered that she has an ancestor who once served as the State Regent of Tennessee

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    Elaine shares her gift with us, AT NO CHARGE, bringing the decorations from home, setting up, and breaking down (thank you to those who frequently help her), then takes the decorations home again.

    When I asked where she gets her “eye for beauty,” Elaine said, “From natural things. God created beauty. It is all around us.” She doesn’t just see and create beauty; she dresses the part. Elaine is stylishly coordinated, and “put together” at all times. Everyone who sees her, beholds her beauty…inside and out.

    The next time you see Elaine Passman, thank her for sharing her tablecloths, decorations/figurines, and decorating skills with us.