Mary Elizabeth Wilson Bennett

her struggle with Alzheimer’s she rests at peace with her Heavenly Father.

Mary Elizabeth was born July 4, 1922 in Bryan, Texas to the late James Otho Wilson and Mae Stevener Wilson. She lived in the Kurten Community most of her early life, attended Kurten schools, Confirmed at Zion Church in 1935; and after graduating form Stephen F. Austin High School in 1939, she attended Texas Women’s College in Denton, Texas.

Mary Elizabeth married the late Frenchy D. Bennett (Col. U.S.A.F.), of Cross Plains, Texas at Zion Church in 1942. They were blessed to celebrate 55 years of marriage before Col. Bennett’s death in 1997. Their 30 years of Military Service began with Frenchy’s aviation training in the Army Air Corp. One of their first duty stations took them to Germany, were friendships were formed with military families who would enrich their lives for their entire lifetime. Mary loved the roles she played in organizing social functions, fashion shows, ladies golf tournaments, and bridge clubs for the Officer’s Wives Club Association. Mary was always a gracious lady, known for her laughter and good humor, and her cooking and entertaining skills. She loved her friends, enjoyed camping trips and travel, and rarely missed a family reunion.

After completing his tour at the Pentagon; Col. Bennett’s final assignment was to Carswell Air Force Base, Ft. Worth, where he acted as the Air Force Representative to General Dynamics. Retirement from the Air Force brought Mary and Frenchy back to the Kurten Community in 1972 where they immersed themselves in the Zion Church family and Brazos County volunteer opportunities. For the next 30 years Mary enjoyed various church activities serving as an officer in the Women’s Guild, as Christmas Bazaar Co-‐Chair, Vacation Bible school teacher, Church Council Secretary, the Elder Board, and her most favorite role as a member of the church choir. Mary’s varied interests also included membership in the Republican Women’s Association, the Aggie Mother’s Club, a quilting club, and serving as a Brazos County election judge. Mary’s life was full and happy with days filled with friends, bible study, activities with her grandchildren, playing dominos, genealogy research, taking nature walks in the woods, and camping trips to many of the U.S. National Parks. Mary’s love, acts of kindness, and fellowship are woven in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mary Elizabeth leaves behind a son Bradley S. Bennett and wife Marty of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and a daughter Dianne Elizabeth and husband Dr. James Holton, of Tyler, Texas. She is also survived by three grand children; James B. Holton, III of Crested Butte, Colorado; Ashley N. Schaub and husband Peter of Longmont, Colorado; and Meghan E. Bierman and husband Thomas of Wesminster, Colorado. Mary has four great-‐grandchildren Emma, Nicholas, and Micah Schaub, and Bennett Bierman. Her brother Herbert O. Wilson of Kurten preceded Mary in death.

Mary is survived by a sister-in-law, Mrs. Carol Sue Bennett of Arlington, Texas, and a brother-in-law, John F, Bennett of Cross Plains, Texas. Nephews

include Greg Bennett and wife Evelyn of Denver, Colorado; Jeff Bennett and wife Mary of Alpine, Texas; Bryan Bennett and wife Grace of Cross Plains, Texas; John Bennett and wife Michelle of Arlington, Texas; Gary Bennett of Arlington, Texas; Robert Bennett of Cross Plains, Texas; and David Bennett of Sweetwater, Texas. She was also blessed with numerous grand nieces and nephews, and cousins in the Stevener, Wilson, and Bennett families.

Pall Bearers are Dr. Bobby Stevener, Gerald Stevener, Bryan Bennett, Larry West, James Holton, III, and Rhea Robinson. Honorary Pall Bearers include John F. Bennett, Jim Joham, and Ralph Stevener.

The family of Mary Elizabeth wishes to extend their appreciation for the many wonderful individuals and staff who have cared for Mary in her home as well as at Bryan Hudson Creek Memory Care, and Tyler Azalea Trails Memory Care. The Heart to Heart Hospice staff was an incredible team ministering to both Mary and her family, and so vital to her daily care and well being. They are truly a Divine gift to those in need.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Chapel, Bryan, Texas. Visitation will be on Monday, April 6, 2015 at Memorial Funeral Chapel from 5:00 – 7:00pm.

The Reverend Samuel Cutrone, Jr. will conduct the Funeral Service to be held Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Zion Church of Kurten in Kurten, Texas at 12:00pm in the original historic Sanctuary. Interment will follow in the Kurten Cemetery, Kurten, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Zion Church of Kurten, Heart to Heart Hospice 1402 Rice Road, Suite 100 Tyler, Texas, or to the charity of your choice.