Mary Louise Killebrew

Mary Louise Killebrew, age 99 years and 363 days, passed away Monday, June 15, 2020 at her home in Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 18, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church. Pastor Rusty Dickerson will officiate. Interment will be in Eastview Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
Mary Louise was born on June 17, 1920 in Hopkinsville, Ky., a daughter of Samuel and Rena (Stanton) Stokes. She married Smith D. Killebrew on June 21, 1940 in Russellville, Ky. He preceded her in death on Aug. 20, 2004.
The Killebrew family moved to Vernon in 1949 from Newton, Miss. Mary Louise was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Vernon and was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star from 1974 until the local chapter closed. She served as Worthy Matron in 1980-81 and was also a member of the Past Matrons and Patrons Club. She was active in PTA, Blue Birds and Camp Fire during her daughters’ school years. She was also a Sunday School teacher, and she and her husband were assistant youth directors at the church and members of the Amigos Sunday School Class. She later joined the Lydia Sunday School Class.
Mother was a kind and gentle person who never met a stranger. She loved the Lord with all her heart and taught her daughters to do the same. She was proud of her family and always loved being with each and everyone. They, in turn, loved to hear her tell stories of her past. They marveled at how she had managed to overcome the difficulties she encountered during her life, yet became so gracious and loving with no ill will toward anyone.
In addition to her husband, Mary Louise was also preceded in death by a brother, Samuel (Buddy) Stokes. Her survivors include daughter Joyce Ann Ashley and husband Charles of Vernon, daughter Mary Jane Tatum and husband Jack of Wimberley, grandchildren Shawn Ashley of Norman, Okla., Julie Howell and husband Paul of Lucas, Christopher Ashley and wife Joelee of Vernon, and Anita Jiles and husband Kermit Belzer of Lago Vista; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Howell of Lucas; William Howell of Lucas; Kelsey Jiles of Lago Vista, Devin Jiles of Lago Vista, Nathan Ashley of Chicago, Ill., and Adam Bilby of Oklahoma City.
The family would like to thank the caregivers who have given her their support, love and care during the past two years: Wilma Owens, LaDonna Tubbs, Marilyn Evans, Becky Pierson, Marylisa Martinez and Beth Schoppa.
We also would like to express our appreciation to Pastor Rusty Dickerson, Tip Igou, Cindy Woodard and Willie Tubbs as well as members of the First United Methodist Church, Hospice of Wichita Falls, Vista Living of Vernon, and all others who were so kind to her during these last years of her life. We love you all.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Vernon.