Mary Martha Carroll

Our sister, our aunt, our teacher and most of all our friend and inspiration, Mary Martha Carroll, passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from complications of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a horrible disease that is capable of robbing an average person of many of life's simple joys. But not Mary Martha! She never lost her spirit, her tenacity, her intellect, her grace and dignity. She faced the world every day with an open and loving heart, quick to laugh and see the humor in everyday events. Afflicted as early as 2007, she was so brave in the face of many, many challenges, never giving up hope for a brighter day. She is now in heaven where she has that kind of day everyday and her spirit shines down, always inspiring us.

Mary was born on August 5, 1952 in Fort Benning, GA and grew up as a proud "Army Brat", traveling the world, leaving no stone unturned, no adventure unexplored. She graduated with bachelor and master degrees in early childhood education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She was blessed at having a profession she loved - teaching, guiding and encouraging children to learn and grow. As an elementary school teacher for the Dallas Independent School District for over 30 years, Mary was twice recognized as a DISD Teacher of the Year.

Mary is predeceased by her father, Col. James H. Carroll, Jr., her mother, Jennie Overleese Carroll, and her brother, James H. Carroll, III. She is survived by her cherished cat Maddie, her sister, Barbara Carroll of Houston, TX, her brother and his wife, David and Phyllis Carroll of Carrsville, VA, her sister in law, Jenny Carroll, of Melbourne, Australia, her beloved and doting niece, Natalie Carroll of Dallas, TX, her nephews David and James Carroll and his wife Jennifer of Atlanta, GA and Tampa Bay, FL, respectively, and many longtime friends. Her family is grateful for her loving caregivers, JoeAnn, Dorinda, Letitia, and Thomasita whose unwavering service made her independent style life possible to the very end.

The family invites you to celebrate her life at a Memorial Service on Tuesday, January 29th at 3 pm at St Jude's Chapel, 1521 Main Street, in downtown Dallas, TX with Father Jonathan Austin officiating. Please refer to www.stjudechapel.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.stjudechapel.org for more information on nearby parking. You may also visit www.legacy.com to share thoughts and memories of Mary. She will read them, correct the grammar and then return them to you. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations may do so at www.stjudechapel.org, at www.psp.org or the Dallas SPCA.