Mary Beth Greenwood

Mary Beth Greenwood, who launched her photography career in the late 1970s by documenting notable musicians, passed away in her Austin home on Sunday, August 7, 2011. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. John Durfor; mother, Marian Greenwood; brother, Chuck Greenwood; sisters, Gayle Perdue and Annie Greenwood; nephew, Gabriel Perdue; godson, Trenton Colluro and her chihuahuas, Romeo and Isabella.

Mary Beth's photography career spanned more than three decades. While known for capturing revered recording artists in the 1970s and 80s – from Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons to Eric Johnson and Joe Ely – she also paved the way for countless young models and actors, by creating compelling portfolios and providing them with business advice and coveted industry contacts. Her photography studio is filled with photos of young talent signed with major national agencies and featured in high-end magazines, films, television shows and commercials. Mary Beth also took pride in mentoring young photography interns and assistants over the years, most notably Jason Reeves, Jen Gallo and Natalie Mechell.

Mary Beth was born into a family with a great appreciation for the arts, on March 2, 1955. Her mother performed in an aqua ballet show that entertained homeward-bound soldiers during World War II, and her father was a jazz saxophone player whose band opened shows for such legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. He was also an award-winning amateur photographer.

The youngest of four children, Mary Beth studied pre-med on a scholarship at the University of Texas and excelled in science. She even had the honor to work with acclaimed astronomer Gérard Henri de Vaucouleurs for three years. However, when her creative side took hold, she changed her major and graduated from the University of Texas School of Journalism, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Photojournalism. She also studied photography at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

She was in high school when she first became enamored with photography, as well as with renowned guitarist Eric Johnson. That 12-year relationship resulted in “thousands of photos,” many featured on the covers of Guitar Player and used as promotional shots for Marshall Amplifier, Warner Records and other industry projects. She was also invited to become the primary photographer for Willie Nelson’s family in the 1980s.

Mary Beth's photographs of Stevie Ray Vaughan have been featured in several Vaughan biographies, because of her close friendship with him and his former girlfriend, Lindi Bethel. Other luminaries Mary Beth photographed include portraits of actor Morgan Freeman, celebrity photographer Francesco Scavullo, acclaimed music producer Craig Leon and his wife, singer Cassell Webb.

Mary Beth was an avid traveler and had friends all over the world. She enjoyed participating in the Austin music community and spending time near water either waterskiing on Lake Austin, sailing on Lake Travis, or swimming and hanging out on beautiful beaches. She was married to Dr. John Durfor since 1994.

Anyone willing to search Mary Beth on the internet will get an eyeful of amazing photographic images that emerged from her camera.

A memorial service celebrating Mary Beth's life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd.

We invite you to share a memory of Mary Beth’s persona or memorable experience at www.wcfish.com