Mary Rushing

Mary Louise Nance Rushing passed away July 4 at the age of 91 as family whispered their love for her. She was born April 27, 1923 in Weslaco, Texas to A.A. Nance and Eunice Sweeney Nance. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; by Norman, her husband of 58 years; brothers Hiram, Arthur, Robert, and sister Betty. She is survived by sisters Annabelle Swanner, Lucille Brooks, and Ethel Sanders; children include Ronda Harris; Tom Rushing and wife Sue Ann; Mark Rushing and wife Sybil. Mary was always called Mimi by her grandchildren Katie Harris; Jill Rushing Young and Amy Rushing Bender; Rebecca Wachsler and Brenda McRae; Will, C.;T., and Sunshine Rushing. Great-grandchildren are Jesse and Sonisa Harris; Bryson, Banner, and Braydon Rushing; Shae Robinson; Katherine and Michael Wachsler. Mary attended public school in the Lubbock area and met her true love, Norman, while attending Texas Tech. Mary was the spark in Norman’s life, while he was the anchor for her free spirit. Mary was a most creative person; she was an artist, expert seamstress, and pianist. She taught first grade while living in LaPorte, Texas and was an avid tennis and bridge player. For many years her joy was Granny’s Kitchen, an annual fund raiser at First Methodist Church, Huntsville. Mary would begin sewing her quilts, dolls, and pillows and crafting her beautiful flower arrangements in February each year. And by November, her guest bedroom would be overflowing with delightful items for the bazaar. Mary was witty and bright; she was reveling in Wimbledon matches even to the last week of her life. The family wishes to thank our special Angels Amber Fuentes, Rhonda Hoot, and Sabrina Snell. They watched over Mimi’s health and helped her to enjoy life to the end. Amber was the wonderful nurse, Rhonda treated her to her favorite kolaches, and Sabrina sang to her “Precious” friend. Altus Hospice was also a great support. You are welcome to visit with the family from 9 to 11 a.m. August 2nd at First Methodist Church, Huntsville; followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Mary and Norman’s ashes will be buried in a family plot in Calvert, Texas at a later time. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to a charity that is dear to our family’s hearts, the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Houston, 6977 Main St., Houston, TX 77030-3701, or to a charity of your choice.

Mary Rushing

August 27, 1923 - July 4, 2014