Mary F. Mabry

Loving mother, wife, friend, and teacher, Mary F. Mabry (née Huffman), formerly of Woodway, Texas, passed away in San Diego, California, on December 17, 2024, at the age of 92. Mary loved God and is made new in Christ, her Lord and Savior. Her family rejoices that she now rests in God’s loving arms.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on January 2 and 3, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.

Born in 1932 in Commerce, Texas, Mary lived a full life devoted to her husband, Marshall, and their three children. Marshall and Mary settled in Waco, Texas, in 1955 and moved to Woodway in 1960, where Mary remained until 2016, when she relocated to San Diego, California, to be near her daughter, Vicki, and son-in-law, Andy.

Mary, a dedicated teacher at Midway Elementary School for 24 years, demonstrated an early passion for education by homeschooling her children and serving the Midway PTA. Before becoming a teacher, Mary was President of the Midway PTA and also served at the county level. In recognition of her service, she was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Texas PTA in 1993.

In 1966, Mary pursued her passion for teaching by enrolling in the newly established McLennan County Community College, where she was part of the first graduating class. She went on to earn her teaching credentials, completing her B.A. and M.A. in Education at Baylor University. Mary retired from teaching at Midway Elementary School in 1993 but continued serving her community as a member of the Retired Teachers Association (RTA), where she also served as District President for several years.

Mary enjoyed traveling and staying active, along with Marshall, as members of the Waco Amateur Ham Radio Club. Beyond her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her favorite hobby was genealogy.

Mary lived an abundant life, always giving God the glory. She epitomized His grace in all she did and will be remembered for her gracious example and radiant smile.

Mary was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Marshall W. Mabry (1929–2007).

She is survived by her three children: son Michael Mabry (Peggy) of Clifton, Texas; daughter Sharon Fontanella (Joe) of Manassas, Virginia; and daughter Vicki Mabry Schwartz (Andy) of San Diego, California; four grandchildren: Christopher Mabry (Janet) of Round Rock, Texas; Corey Mabry of Clifton, Texas; Anne Fontanella Humphreys (Craig) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and Natalie Fontanella Oliva-Ortega (Henry) of Manassas, Virginia; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Mary’s family invite you to leave a message or memory in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.