Mary Hoopes George

Mrs. Mary Hoopes George passed away peacefully at her home in Missouri City on November 18, 2013. Born in 1937 in Boone, Iowa, Mary first moved to Houston in 1950. She was preceded in death by her husband William Paul George and her parents John Wilton Hoopes and Olga Evelyn Hoopes. She is survived by her son John Michael George and his wife Brenda Beck George; her daughter Mary Elizabeth Lynch and her husband John Edward Lynch; grandchildren Evan William Lynch, Cameron Wilton George, and Virginia Nicole Lynch; and her brother John Eugene Hoopes and his wife Nancy Martin Hoopes.Mary graduated from Lamar High School in 1954 and attended Rice University. She met Paul while working at Southwestern Bell; they were married in 1964 and moved from the Spring Branch area to Quail Valley in 1976. A devoted parent and grandparent, she took great pride in her family and provided a steady presence and unwavering source of support, at times across thousands of miles. She also loved animals and owned several lucky, well-fed cats over the decades. Among her favorite activities were attending Houston Grand Opera performances with her dear friend Dianne and lunching with close-knit groups of ladies, a glass of chardonnay complementing any meal. Mary was a treasured member of the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, where she led Wednesday morning Bible study for many years and was a pillar of the Pathfinders Sunday School class. The Reverend John Craig once described her as "the best educated lay theologian I have ever known." Even following a difficult struggle with breast cancer and its lingering effects, Mary could always be counted on to assist and uplift those in need. Strong faith, wry humor, and a selfless focus on others were her consistent gifts.The funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, with a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Forest Park Westheimer immediately following the service. For those who desire, donations in Mary's honor may be made to her church or to a charity of one's choice.