Mary Annis Alexander

Mary Annis Alexander March 3, 1919 - June 3, 2011 Mary Annis Alexander, a lifelong resident of Waco, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2011. Visitation with the family is 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 8, in Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. A private committal and memorial service will be held on Thursday. Mary Annis was born March 3, 1919, in Waco to Mr. and Mrs. Edwin L. Shelfer. She graduated from Waco High School in 1936 and Baylor University in 1940. She held many leadership positions while a student at Baylor and many remember her as a Baylor Beauty. As Homecoming Queen in 1938, she was escorted by her future husband, Henry Alexander, whom she married in 1942. Mary Annis loved Waco and was an outstanding ambassador for her city. Whenever she traveled she was proud to say that her home was Waco. She cherished her dear friends at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church and had many happy memories as a volunteer for over forty years at Hillcrest Hospital. Mary Annis also enjoyed her many years as a Meals On Wheels volunteer. She always had a happy smile for everyone, and she was deeply loved by her family and her many friends. Mary Annis was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Alexander, who died in 1979, as well as her father, Edwin L. Shelfer, mother, Zela Turner Shelfer and brother, Edwin L. Shelfer, Jr. She is survived by her two children, James H. Jim Alexander of Waco and Jan Praisner of Atherton, California. Her family will miss her very much: Joan Alexander of Waco, Michael Praisner of Atherton; her four grandchildren, Todd Praisner, Mia Praisner Mosher, Jennifer Alexander Campbell and Jamie Alexander Nally. Mary Annis will also be missed by her seven great-grandchildren, Matt, Ella, Carter, Meghan, Alex, Gianna and Henry. She is also survived by her nephew, William Shelfer of New Mexico. The family is grateful for the care Mary Annis received from Mary Castro, Juana Soto, and the staff at St. Elizabeth's, Bluebonnet Hospice, and Eden House. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, P. O. Box 20966, Waco, Texas 76702; Eden House, 2611 Lake Air Drive, Waco, Texas 76710; or Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, 1300 Columbus Avenue, Waco, Texas 76701. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.