Tommie Ruth McAnally Eskew

Tommie Eskew Tommie Ruth McAnally Eskew died late Friday, June 4, 2004, after a long, courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare and vicious degenerative neurological disorder. Mourning her loss are her husband of nearly 61 years, Doren R. Eskew, and her children: Sara Neal Eskew (widow of Larry Roark); Dr. James R. Eskew and wife Lynn Langley; Noel Eskew and Mark Harris , all of Austin; and Blake Eskew and wife Martha Piana Eskew of Houston. Her beloved grandchildren are Lyndsey Langley, David Eskew, and Jancy Langley of Austin and Monroe, Jonathan, and Thomas Eskew of Houston. Also surviving are her dear sister-in-law Mavis E. Pape, faithful friend Darlene Gavenda, and countless others whose lives she touched. Tommie was born February 17, 1920, near Terrell, Texas where she was salutatorian of her graduating class. She received a degree in business education from East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce in 1942 and married in 1943. After moving with Doren briefly to Idaho and Nebraska, she taught school in Canton while he was overseas in W.W.II. In 1946, she and Doren moved to Austin and joined University Baptist Church, her lifelong spiritual home. She was secretary to the legendary Anna Hiss at the University of Texas in 1946-1947. After Doren graduated from law school in 1948, the family moved to Albany and returned to Austin in 1951. Tommie was active in church, school, scouting, and community activities during the 18 years Doren was the City Attorney of Austin and later in private practice. In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, she worked for University Baptist Church and the Texas Department of Health. She spent many years as volunteer director of food service at University Baptist Church. She served her family, her church and her community selflessly and humbly. She abhored affectation, encouraged excellence, and was always charitable, gracious, and witty. Visitation will be held Monday, June 7, 2004, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas from 6 pm-9 pm. Graveside services will take place Tuesday, June 8, at 11 am at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr.; memorial service will be Tuesday, June 8, at 2 pm at University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe (parking at 22nd and San Antonio). Tommie's grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions can be directed to University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78705, whose memorial fund Tommie once administered, or to the Society for PSP, 1838 Greene Tree Rd., Baltimore, MD 21208. "Well done my good and faithful servant in whom I am well pleased." Special thanks to Lillian Simms, Lillian Eppright, Artilya Houston, Amy Rodriguez, and Susie Mendez, her devoted caregivers. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com