Mavonee Elliott Kendrick went home to her Lord on October 19, 2018, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mavonee was born on November 28, 1941 in Gilmer, Texas. At a young age, she felt called to serve the Lord and work with children. At age fourteen she met her high school sweetheart, Gene Kendrick, and they were married right after their graduation from Lufkin High School in 1959. They were happily married for over 57 years and served churches and were an example to all of love and devotion throughout their lives. She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Vola Elliott, her brothers D.L. Elliott and Gerald Elliott and her beloved husband, Gene Kendrick. She is survived by her three children: Paul Elliott Kendrick (Kathy) of Pipe Creek, Texas, Kevin Lee Kendrick (Debbie) of Alto, Texas, and Leigh Anne Hedges (Bryan) of Conroe, Texas. She was a cherished Mimi to her seven grandchildren: Eric Kendrick (Savanna) of Boerne, Lauren Tierney (Clifton) of Pipe Creek, Brian Kendrick of Bryan, Emily Partain (Kyle) of Coldspring, Bethany Kendrick of Conroe, and Camden and Addison Hedges of Conroe. She also had two great grandchildren: Kaylee and Kendall Tierney of Pipe Creek. She is survived by her brothers Aubrey Elliott (Carolyn) of Houston and Austin Elliott (Faye) of Diboll and her sister Deanie Adams of Lufkin. She had numerous nieces and nephews. She was a godly, loving pastor’s wife and served three churches with her husband: Midway Baptist Church in Lufkin, First Baptist Church in Alto, and Mims Baptist Church in Conroe. Throughout their ministry they traveled to various countries including Brazil, Korea, and Austria to share the love of Christ and minister to people. She was known for her sweet tea, homemade German chocolate cake, immaculate housekeeping, and hospitality for all. Mavonee had a heart for children and returned to college later in her life to earn her teaching certificate. She taught elementary school and was preschool director for over 30 years. She started her town’s first preschool in the 1980s and continued this calling that the Lord gave her until her health declined. In lieu of flower, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Village Green and their mascot Bella for their care and compassion for the past three years. They also want to express their gratitude to the members of Mims Baptist Church and friends of the family who gave to the Gene Kendrick Memorial Fund to care for her while she was at Village Green. They are also extremely grateful to Seasons Hospice for the comfort care given the last three months. Pallbearers: Paul Kendrick, Eric Kendrick, Kevin Kendrick, Brian Kendrick, Bryan Hedges, Camden Hedges, Clifton Tierney, and Kyle Partain. Honorary Pallbearers: Sandra Minton, Crystal Dornak, Toni Milo, Trisha Chambers, and Adrienne Moore Visitation will be Monday, October 22 at Mims Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with service following at 11 a.m. and Dr. Denny Autrey and Dr. Mike Roberson officiating. The interment will be immediately after the service in Conroe Memorial Park Cemetery.
