Mary Neal was born December 21, 1935 in Decatur, Texas to parents Leslie Melton Huff, Sr. and Estelle Higginbottom Huff.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, Mary Neal lived her life with a loving commitment to her Risen Savior and in obedience to the truth of scripture. Mary Neal loved people, treasured her family, and radiated the beauty of Jesus. She often prayed that one more would come to know her Savior! Mary Neal knew that at the moment of her death, she would be forever changed and in the presence of her Lord. Therefore, she chose to donate her earthly body to UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX in hopes of assisting medicine in the fight against cancer.
Mary Neal loved her Savior, her family, her friends, and her church. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where she served and worshipped for 50 years. Mary Neal loved music and was blessed to be part of the Music Ministry of First Baptist. She was an accomplished pianist and organist until physical limitations challenged her playing ability. However, she continued piano lessons through Stephen F. Austin State University and sang in the First Baptist Church Celebration Choir until her last days. Sunday was her favorite day of the week, and she treasured spending time with her beloved Berean Sunday School Class. Mary Neal was a devoted prayer warrior and faithfully interceded for many years in the Prayer Room Ministry of First Baptist. One of her greatest joys was watching her grandchildren grow in the Lord, and she faithfully prayed for each one until her last days.
Mary Neal earned her undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University and her Masters Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She was a teacher for 36 years, with the majority of years spent in the Nacogdoches Independent School District. After retirement from NISD, Mary Neal transitioned to Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy, Nacogdoches, where she continued to share Jesus with students in the classroom. Mary Neal instructed students in the study of Language Arts and always modeled a lifestyle consistent with her Christian faith. Mary Neal's legacy of faith continues today through the lives of students she instructed and influenced.
Mary Neal will forever be cherished by her loving husband of 61 years, Andrew "Charles" Grimland. Her legacy of faith will be continued by her son, David Grimland and daughter-in-law Carolyn; daughter Kaye Grimland Hooper and son-in-law Kirk. Grandchildren that will continue to share her godly legacy include Taylor Grimland Shaw and husband Will; Haley Grimland Ford and husband Bill; Cami Grimland; Mary Elizabeth Hooper, and Aaron Hooper. Remaining family that so beautifully cared for her through her last days include siblings Dorris Huff; John Huff, Sr. and wife Teresa; Janie Huff Garrett and husband Bob. Special in so many ways was the love of Aunt Elsie Higginbottom Turner, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents, her older brother, L.M. Huff, Jr preceded her in death.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 10, 2016, at First Baptist Church, located at 411 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Memorials may be given to:
First Baptist Church Music Ministry
411 North Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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