Mary Liddell Ballard

Born as a New Year’s baby on January 1 in Camden Alabama, Mary was the first and only child of John Russell Liddell and Daisy Bruce Aldridge Liddell. She was raised in Camden and lived her life as a true Southern Belle. Excelling in academics, she was Valedictorian of her senior class and went on to the University of Alabama, where she received a degree in English and was an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. After college, she worked in Birmingham Alabama for the president of Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron. During WWII, she volunteered as a hostess at the USO, where she met Jim Ballard, her future husband. They married on August 9, 1947, and moved to Norman Oklahoma where Jim earned his degree in petroleum engineering. They then moved to Hamlin Texas, where Jim had his first job, with Texas Pacific Coal and Oil – and where their 2 children, John and Martha, were born. She was a great mother, an involved church member, and an active force in the community. She loved her family and friends and was generous with her time. She and Jim moved to several places during their lives: Hamlin to Abilene, Ardmore to Oklahoma City to Breckenridge—and finally in 1977 back to Abilene, where they later retired. Everywhere, she led a very active life. She was the President of the Abilene Garden Club and of the Hospital Auxiliary at Hendrick Hospital. In addition, she was a devoted member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteered for church groups, served thousands of hours as a “Pink Lady” at Hendrick Hospital, held many positions in the Woman’s Club, and was active in bridge clubs. At home, she was an exceptional cook. Outside, she created and tended a wonderful garden, and nurtured an extensive collection of iris, many of which came from her parents’ home in Camden. She traveled extensively, from London to Mexico City, Washington DC to New York, San Francisco to Boston, with many trips throughout Texas in between. Her warmth and joy will be missed by her family and friends, and all that knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, James O. “Jim” Ballard. Survivors include her son John L. Ballard and wife Jennifer of Corpus Christi, TX and daughter Martha L. Ballard and husband Steve Matthews of Sarasota, FL. Mary L. Ballard passed away on February 5, 2015. Visitation will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home on Sunday February 8 from 4-5:30pm. The service will be at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Monday February 9 at 2pm, followed by interment in Elmwood Memorial Park. A reception will follow at Wesley Court, 2617 Antilley Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wesley Court Employee Appreciation Fund, 2617 Antilley Road, Abilene, TX 79606.