Mary Ann Mccown

Mary Ann McCown February 26, 1931 May 19, 2011 Mary Ann McCown of Waco passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011 at a local nursing home with family by her side. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 24 at the Carleen Bright Arboretum located at 9001 Bosque Blvd with Dr. Steven Mansen officiating. Mary Ann was born in Waco to John W. Thompson and Ethel Thompson on February 26, 1931. She was a member of Central Christian Church in Waco. Mary Ann was raised and educated in Waco and attended Baylor University. She was a gifted artist and musician that taught piano lessons to children and painted throughout her life, eventually opening and owning a gallery of art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These gifts provided great joy to her life and to the lives of others. Her other gifts consisted of being a caregiver in the church nursery for many years. Many members trusted her in caring for their children. Later in life, she became very active in caring for the elderly, working for Visiting Angels, and caring for many loved ones at the end of their life. She was also active in the rescue of stray animals and volunteered her services by walking dogs at Fuzzy Friends. Mary Ann was an inspiration to all during her 2 year battle with cancer, always staying positive, determined never to let the cancer get her down and smiling to the end. Her determination was inspiring. Mary Ann was a dedicated mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by Vicki Evans of Plano, Dana Bachus and husband Lee of Waco, Dean McNeil of Waco and John Marc McNeil and wife Susan of Mart; grandchildren, Daniel and Stacey Evans, Justin and Nathan Bachus, Jillian McNeil and "Sadie" her dog and faithful companion. Mary Ann will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Mary Ann's greatest gift in life was her donation of her body to science for cancer research. Her hope that she may help find a cure for cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society and Fuzzy Friends. Special thanks to Texas Home Health, Hospice and the Courtyard in Hewitt for all their support to our mother and family. We could not have made this journey without your assistance. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey