Mary Morris Hornsby

Mary Morris Hornsby passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 18, 1938, while her father was completing his residency. She lived in Austin, Texas, where she raised her two precious sons.

Mary spent her childhood in Austin and attended Allan Junior High and Austin High School, where she was active as a Red Jacket and a mentor to her classmates. She then attended the University of Texas, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. After graduating from UT Austin, she worked as a caring social worker at the state hospital in Austin. In her later years, Mary was an avid participant in the Austin High Coffee CLATSCH. The group met weekly since the 1990s, and she and Michael were always there for fun and good times with her fellow AHS classmates.

After a whirlwind courtship, powered in part by the music of Johnny Mathis, Mary married the love of her life, Michael Daniel (Mike) Hornsby, on December 29, 1961. They immediately moved to Florida, where Mike was stationed as a pilot after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. They lived for a short time in Jacksonville and then in Sanford. During their all-too-brief but blissful marriage, they were blessed with the arrival of Michael Jr. and Truman. Sadly, Mike died on January 8, 1965, following an airplane crash. Thereafter, Mary moved back to Austin, where she rebuilt her life, raised two amazing sons, and never wavered in her love for Mike and her enduring belief that they would one day be reunited. Mary was an incredible wife, mother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, teacher, and friend.

Mary spent her life serving others. She was a preschool teacher at Good Shepherd Episcopal School for many years, a “mom” to many Special Olympics athletes, and an avid supporter of Hospice Austin. Mary found immense joy dedicating much of her life to the Special Olympics community alongside Michael. She lived a wonderful life of teaching and helping others. She grew up in a family that practiced love, sharing, and generosity.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Michael Daniel Hornsby; her son, Truman Echols Hornsby; her parents, Dr. Truman and Julia Drake Morris; her sister, Margaret Morris Wilkerson; Lonnie Echols and Rosemary Hornsby; Ted McCloskey; and niece, Kimberley Morris Ross.

Mary is survived by her loving son, Michael Daniel Hornsby Jr.; her siblings, Nick Morris and Judy Morris Covert; Rebecca Hornsby; Melinda Hornsby Wofford; and her nephews and nieces, John and Ted Wilkerson, Trey Morris, Bobby Morris, Mike McIntyre, Julie McIntyre Warrenburg, Jenny McIntyre Anderson, Catherine McIntyre Harper, Kevin McCloskey, Dylan Wilson, Rachel Wofford Finken, Sam Wofford, and Tracy Miller. Additionally, Mary is survived by many other cousins, great-nieces and nephews, family members, and dear friends.

Services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas, 78731.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Special Olympics Texas, Hospice Austin, or a charity of your choice.

We are so grateful for the wonderful and loving care Mary received from Brookdale, hospice workers, and all of those who helped care for her.