Mary Pokluda

Mary Schmitt Pokluda, age 100, resided in Houston, Texas, and passed away, December 17, 2019, at Harbor Hospice in Houston, Tx. Mary was born January 20, 1919, in Forrest City, Arkansas, the first born of four children. She graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1940 with a teaching degree specializing in foreign languages (Latin, French) and English. While in college, Mary was active in many organizations, served as head cheer leader and also played on the women’s basketball team. She taught for the Houston Independent School District and Saint Thomas High School from the 1960s until the 2000s. Toward the end of her career, Mary periodically translated Vatican Papal letters for the Diocese of Galveston. Mary was preceded in death by John Simms Kirten, her first love and husband of 19 years, her parents, C. J. and Eva Schmitt, sisters, Elizabeth Kennedy, Lucille Spears and brother, Buddy Schmitt. After the death of her first husband, Mary was married to her loving husband of 47 years, Frank J. Pokluda, Jr., deceased in 2015. Mary was a loving, hardworking and strong woman who triumphed over tragic events in her life but remained a positive role model for her children and all who knew her. She is survived by her children William Kirten and wife, Nancy, John Kirten and wife, Elaine, Jesse Kirten, Eva Kirten and wife, Cookie Davenport, Sue Ann Pokluda Wallace and husband, Jere, Frank J. Pokluda III; grandchildren, Michael Kirten, Lindsay Kirten Skittrall, Lauren Kirten, Courtney Kirten Sanders, Billy Fuchlow Wallace, Jamey Pokluda IV, Nikki Pokluda, Tina Ortiz, April Faure, Ray-C LeBlanc, David Boak, Kellye Skaer, and numerous loving great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be Friday, December 20, 5PM-9PM, at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale, Houston, TX.

Services will be Saturday, December 21, 11AM, in The Chapel of the Angels, at Forest Park. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's association.