Mary Jane Dill

Mary Jane (Eberhart) Dill passed peacefully at home April 9, 2015. Born May 31, 1934 to Elder and Thelma Eberhart, she graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School 1953. Mary Jane met George Dill at Southern Methodist University where she was an Education major and he a Geology student and ROTC cadet. Upon graduation in 1955 George was conferred an officer commission to the US Air Force. They were married in Evansville, Indiana January 1956 and shortly after proceeded to their first posting at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, TX. Three years and 4 postings later, from Sacramento, CA to Orlando, FL they landed in Austin, TX where George enrolled in a Geology Masters program at the University of Texas. During the Austin years David Colby and Gretchen Lynn were born in Austin.

Mary Jane and George started their post military life in Oklahoma City and later moved to Houston, TX where Peter Bowie was born June 1967. A two-year assignment in Perth, Western Australia would be their next destination followed by 9 years in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Those years were occupied with lovely trips throughout Asia and mostly Europe. Mary Jane particularly enjoyed museums and architecture throughout Europe and the Near East. Houston, TX was their desired final home and they returned to live ‘in the trees’ in 1983.

As a young woman Mary Jane enjoyed reading and writing as well as tennis, canoeing and swimming. Her college life was centered on her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, which remained a lifelong connection to many friends. The Houston Aggie moms were also a source of social life and connection during Peter’s college years.

Throughout her life Mary Jane’s Christian faith was central to she and George, providing foundation and strength. Finding a church family was always the first step in building a life in a new place.

Involvement with the Portuguese Water Dog organization and community was also a source of friendship and fun for Mary Jane and George.

Mary Jane was a mentor and friend to many who needed care and support. Even as she lost her vision late in life, she offered her own ray of light to those in need, freely giving her own strength to build up others.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee Lane, Houston, TX 77042, gpch.org, 713-781-7615.