Mary McWilliams

Mary McWilliams, 64, of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2007. A private family burial service will take place at Talpa Cemetary on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Following the burial service, a Memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., with Rob Cunningham officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2007. Mary was born in Coleman, Texas on January 27, 1943 and graduated from Coleman High School. She married Kenneth Craig McWilliams, Jr. in Novice, TX in 1963 and enjoyed 33 blessed years of marriage until his death in 1996. While married, she and her husband lived several years in Winters and then settled in Abilene, TX to raise their family. Mary's career included 30 years working for the Abilene Independent School District, first at Fannin Elementary and later as Assistant to the AISD Deputy Superintendent. Upon her retirement, she worked for two years at the Nonprofit Resource Center of Abilene. Her hard work and dedication were reflected in every facet of her life. Mary's children, grandchildren, family and close friends will always remember her as "a giver". This spirit of serving was evident in her deep love for her two daughters, Barbara and Marion, her five precious grandchildren, who knew her as "Moppy", and her beloved sister Betty. Mary always had time... time to give to her family, time to help an elderly neighbor, time to devote to those in need. Mary enjoyed the study of God's Word in a ladies group she hosted in her home, but most of all she lived the words of the Bible she loved. Her optimistic outlook on life and her beautiful smile will always be remembered and still shines through the eyes of her children and grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Craig McWilliams in 1996, and her brother Bill Cardenas. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara McLeod and her husband John of Abilene, Marion McWilliams Drake and her husband Andy of Berkeley, California; one sister, Betty McWilliams of Abilene; a special sister-in-law, Jo Lynn Bragg of Hondo; five grandchildren, Matt McLeod, Austin McLeod, Marshall Drake, Lucas Drake, and Ella Drake. She is also survived by five nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and great nephews. Memorials may be made to the Highland Church of Christ Youth Mission Trips, 425 Highland Avenue, Abilene, Texas 79605.