Mary Elizabeth Briggs

Mary was born on December 6, 1928, in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Alma and John Buchanan. She and John Berry “JB” Briggs (along with their friends Imogene and Edward Stafford) eloped on March 1, 1948. The couple moved to Mineral Wells, Weatherford, and then to Wabash Street in Fort Worth, before settling into their long-time residence on Deaver Drive in North Richland Hills where many large family and Razorback football gatherings were held. When she and JB retired, they moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to be closer to their Razorbacks.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, JB, her parents, and her siblings Edyth (Leaton) Hodge, Katherine (Charles) Covington, and John Buchanan.

Mary is survived by her brother Tom (Laurene) Buchanan; two daughters Linda MacArthur and Cindy (Brad) May; four grandchildren, Sheri Robken, Shelli Medio, Bryan (Jennifer) May, and Buck (Amy) May; six great-grandchildren, John (Izumi) Robken, Andrew (Lisa) Medio, Austin Medio, Emily (Michael) Courtney, Allie Medio, and Karis May; and two great-great-grandchildren, Carter and Grace.

Mary worked as a telephone operator until the family moved to Texas where she opened Mary’s Little Tykes and dressed Fort Worth and Dallas children in the finest pageant and formal wear.

Mary was an active member and organist at Smithfield Baptist Church and in her later years, was active in the Dallas Razorback Club, which she always reminded people was the largest Razorback Club in the world.