Emma Louise "Lou" Peavy Post was an active volunteer for a host of Dallas civic, charitable, political and social organizations.

In 1962, she was instrumental in forming the first Boys Club in Dallas. Four years later, she and former Texas first lady Nellie Connally founded the Texas Galaxy Ball to raise funds for the Texas Mental Health Association.

Mrs. Post, 87, died Saturday of natural causes at her Dallas home.

A memorial service was Tuesday at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. She was entombed in a private ceremony at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Mrs. Post was born and raised in Edgewood, Texas. She received a bachelor's degree from what is now the University of North Texas.

In 1946, she married Troy Post, who parlayed $130 in savings into a financial empire that at one point included the ownership of more than 80 percent of Braniff International Airways stock, all of National Car Rental and 30 percent of the National Bank of Commerce in Dallas. Mr. Post died in 1998.

Mrs. Post nurtured both her family and the civic causes she supported, said her daughter Jane Post Harelik of Stuart, Fla.

"She was a great mom," Ms. Harelik said. "She never neglected us. She always had time for us and Daddy. We didn't know how she fit everything in. It was just amazing."

Mrs. Post often worked hand in hand with her husband.

"They were pretty equal in everything they did," Ms. Harelik said.

In 1964, she and Mr. Post gave Lovers Lane United Methodist Church three acres to complete a nearly 10-acre parcel that became the church's home on the northeast corner of Northwest Highway and Inwood Road.

Mrs. Post was also politically active. In 1964, Dallas Democratic leaders selected her to be the county's state committee member. She was also a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee when Lyndon Johnson was elected president.

"She was fun and feisty," her daughter said. "She spoke her mind and wasn't afraid to argue with anyone, yet she was a gracious, gracious lady."

Mrs. Post served on the advisory council for the Dallas Community Chest, which became part of the United Way. She also had been a member of the selection committee for the Dallas Grand Jury.

In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Post is survived by another daughter, Judy Post Catalano of Dallas; a son, John A. Post of Dallas; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.