Priscilla Gorner

Priscilla Ann Gorner Stolz, of Houston, Texas, passed from this life into Eternity to dance with Jesus on the morning of October 10, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Rea Roy "Sonny" Stolz, formerly of Brenham; stepchildren Robbie and Kelly Stolz of Kerrville, Marianne Stolz of San Antonio, and Matthew Stolz of Austin; brother-in-law Scot Stolz and Ashley Stolz of College Station; and numerous step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Volley and Minnie Lafitte, and sister, Barbara Harwell.

Priscilla was born December 15, 1944 in Houston, Texas at the original Hermann Hospital next to Hermann Park. She grew up on the East Side of Houston near the Houston Ship Channel off Market and Federal Roads.

Her interests in music began at an early age, starting piano studies by age seven and teaching piano by age 12, even playing in many area church services, weddings, funerals, and special events.

Priscilla graduated from Galena Park High School and went off to college in San Marcos, Texas, majoring with a full music scholarship and continuing her piano playing for churches and events, providing accompaniment for singers, choral groups, and others. After college, she was hired as a secretary in the NASA Headquarters at Clear Lake where she worked each day around and interacted with the original astronauts.

As her career blossomed and expanded, she was hired by Houston City Mayor Louie Welch as his right-hand secretary. She worked for the City many years and retired in 1991 to pursue her dream of Ballroom Dancing where she toured the United States with her professional instructor and dance partner in intense competition, winning many dance awards and accolades for her abilities. Priscilla was also once invited to audition for membership with The Houston Symphony and came very close to being inducted.

By 1992 she met and married Rea Roy Stolz and together pursued their common passion for collecting antiques and collectibles, later setting up booths in two antique shops in Brenham, Texas enjoying the business.

After 20 years of loving the antique pursuits, the two shop buildings were sold and everyone had to move out. Thus, came an end to collecting and Priscilla and Rea ("Sonny") moved their many collectibles back to Houston and placed them in four large storage units.

During Priscilla's retirement from the City of Houston and meeting "Sonny" she went back to her love of music at the urging of her husband and began soliciting students for piano lessons in her home. At the apex of gathering students she was teaching 50 of them a week. She held many recitals. And, most of her students were winning awards in highly intense competition until she had to give up her teaching due to cancer.

Being a real trouper, Priscilla never gave up on life. In fact, she was full of such and always made it her mission to make those around her feel good and gave of herself volunteering with local hospitals counseling cancer patients. She remained upbeat and dedicated to her husband and family providing smiles and a totally radiant personality, helping others wherever and whenever she was able. Priscilla spent her last days in Hermann Memorial Hospital Memorial City and transferred to Harbor Hospice where "Sonny" was with her as she passed.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 17 at 11:00am. at the Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham, Texas, with Rev. Scot Stolz (her brother-in-law) officiating. Pallbearers are Robbie Stolz, Matthew Stolz, David Stolz, Michael Johnson, Scot Stolz, Anderson Moore, and honorary pallbearer Emily Nikkel.

Arrangements are under the care of Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Parkway Baptist Church Music Fund, PO Box 10104, College Station, TX 77842.