Mary B. Mims

Mary Alice Bell was born in Wichita, Kansas on April 23, 1927 to Roy and Alice Bell. She has three brothers, Howard Bell of Arlington, TX, Bob Bell of Snyder, TX, and Roy Bell of Odessa, TX, and a sister, Lurline Bell Burns of Springer, Okla. In 1929 the family moved to Southland, TX and then to Rankin, TX in 1932, where Mr. Bell was agent for the Santa Fe Railroad. Growing up in Rankin, Mary received her lifetime nickname of “Snookie.” She graduated from high school in 1944 and attended Texas Tech. She returned to Rankin in December 1946 and taught school there for the 1947 spring semester. She moved to Midland in June of 1947 to work for Security Abstract Co., where she met her future husband, James W. Mims.

On November 25, 1947, they were married and there were three children born of this union – James David - deceased in 2011, Nancy Jo – deceased in 2000, and Martha Lea. David married Becky Scott, Nancy married Jerry Geers, and Martha married Matt Manulik. There are five grandchildren – Allison Mims Greer and Melanie Mims Curtis; Mik, Morgan and Mason Manulik - and ten great grandchildren. She also helped care for James’ cousin, Dixie Mims, for many years, prior to Dixie’s death in 2013, and loved her like a daughter.

Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Midland where, for 17 years, she taught the 15 year old girls’ Sunday School class. She was a charter member of the Midland Jaycee-ettes and served as president, a member of Contemporary Study Club for many years, a past-president and member of Children’s Service League, and a past-president and Chairman of the Board of Midland Cerebral Palsy Center. She served on the board of High Sky Girls Ranch for 12 years. She was also a member and past-president of Midland Country Club Women’s Golf Association. She was a sponsor, along with husband James, of the Youth Group of Bloys Camp Meeting Association, Ft. Davis, TX from 1973 – 1976. Those they worked with those many years ago continue to hold her and James in high esteem and, to this day, still keep in touch. Mary received a Life Membership in P.T.A. in 1967.

She absolutely loved her volunteer duties and the people she served and those with whom she served. She was a consummate organizer and manager and her skills left the organizations she touched with an indelible mark. She and husband James have been stalwarts at First Baptist Church for many years and she leaves behind many cherished church friends. Probably one of her greatest gifts was the love she held for her grandkids. She was their friend and loved them with all out abandon. This love was returned. She truly was a special lady and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, James Mims; daughter Martha Mims Manulik and her husband Matt; daughter in law Becky Mims; her five grandchildren and their spouses; her ten great grandchildren; her three brothers and her sister; her sister-in-law Margaret Hill; and several loving nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Nancy and son, David.

A family visitation will be held Friday, January 24th, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Ellis Funeral Home. Services will be held on Saturday, January 25th. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm at Fairview Cemetery and a memorial service will take place at 2:30 pm in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church, Midland. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Midland; Bloys Camp Meeting Association, Fort Davis; High Sky Children’s Ranch or a charity of your choice.