Mary was born July 21, 1944, to Stanley & Exa Adams in Sulphur Springs Texas. She was raised in Emory Texas with her 8 siblings Jesse, Norman, Carl Mark, Jed & Pete & Wilma Sue, Effie & Pat.
Mary worked at TEMCO in the late 60's and retired around 2008 from Raytheon. During that time, she met her husband of 44 years Ralph Childers and married in 1981. After retirement, Mary and Ralph traveled and enjoyed relaxing at the lake or riding on the trike. Her most favorite trips were the Alaskan cruises. As they began to age, they enjoyed being at their home in Campbell, where Mary was always mowing, cooking or sitting on the back porch.
She was known for her huge personality and being the life of the party. She had an eclectic taste when it came to her house. No particular rhyme or reason she just loved ''things''. She loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. If she loved you knew and if she didn't… you knew it. She was also known for her baking and cooking. So much, that she was loving referred to as MARY OF CAMPBELL. She was always making something for her friends, especially if someone was ill or for the neighbors if the weather was bad. She took great pride in her cooking, whether it be her coconut or chocolate pies, peach cobblers, cakes or her homemade biscuits made from her mother's recipe, to her chicken and dumplings or fried okra and potatoes,
No surprise Mary never backed down from a fight and she fought Alzheimer's with every single part of her mind and body to the very end. Those who knew her would jokingly say she was afraid she was going to miss something or simply didn't want to lose but the disease is a beast of its own, no one ever wins. In the last part of her days, it wasn't uncommon for one of the employees at Tender Care to sit by her and sing gospel hymns and she would do her best to sing along.
Thank you to Colonial Lodge & Memory Care for your unconditional love for her the last few years but especially in the last days. Special thank you to Joelle Compton, Shane Kubacak, and Kaylee Self for your care of our mother and Nannie. You two are special angels in our lives and Mary's life. The work you do & the love and attention you give your residents does not go unnoticed.
Mary is preceded in death by Ralph her husband of 44 years who passed away March 12, 2025, her parents and all of her siblings.
Mary is survived by her son, Dewayne Gore and Jamie Gore; her granddaughter, Jordan Puryear and husband, Brad, and great granddaughter, Corey, Daughter, Tammie Himes and husband, Joe, grandson, Colby, great grandson, Ryatt & granddaughter, Savannah; her sister in laws by choice, Janice Cope, Cathy Haynsworth & Dorothy Gore; Her cousin, Loretta Godwin & longtime friends, Laura Gene Bankston & Melba Hartline along with many others that loved her dearly.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Phillip Ray, Wesley Ashley, David Wallace, Shawn Mann, Randy Miliam, Darren Barrow, Lee Barnett, Gary DeGarso and Kyle Smith.
Condolences(6)
James Rowe
garland, TX Thursday, April 24, 2025 I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Jay & Merry Porter
Grand Rapids, MI Thursday, April 24, 2025 Our Lord must have decided it was time to add more fun and laughter into heaven so he sent for Mary!We have been friends of Ralph and Mary's for over forty years having shared time together while working at E-Systems Greenville Division and over countless days camping and boating on Lake Tawakoni. Mary worked hard at E-Systems and was highly respected across the organization. She was a friend to everyone. When we were out for an evening of music, or time at the lake, she was just delightful to be around. She loved sharing time with her family and friends.
After moving away from Greenville we could only visit by phone, but it was always great fun hearing her describe their travel and adventures. We hope the family can take comfort from the knowledge that Mary was a kind and loving person who searched for ways to help others. We will miss her!
Respectfully,
Jay & Merry
Dee Felke
Bonham I would like to expree, TX Tuesday, April 22, 2025 I am so sorry for your loss Tammie and family. Mary was a SWEET spitfire that will forever be missed. The loss of Ralph was devastating and now your Mom Mary, I have no words to describe just how sorry I am. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry!❤️🙏❤️Stefanie petty
cumby, TX Monday, April 21, 2025 I'm so sorry for your lossLeland K Barnett
Terrell, TX Sunday, April 20, 2025 My heart is with you all. Rest in peace Mother Mary💐🌹💐🌹💐Janice Ratliff Douglad
Sulphur Springs, TX Sunday, April 20, 2025 Deepest sympathy,Mary had such an outgoing personality. We enjoyed playing games with her!!
Sending prayers for our Lord Jesus to comfort the family.