Mary Rose Markham (née Keen/Smith) went to rest with The Lord on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the age of 79. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona on July 26, 1940 to Osie Ray and Marjorie Keen. Mary was adopted and raised by her aunt and uncle, Johnny Esther “Bobbie” Smith and Vernon “Tiny” Smith. She stepped forward as Matriarch to her family at a young age and wore that mantle with love and pride. She was employed by SouthWestern Bell/AT&T starting at 17 until her retirement in 1992. On February 2, 1980, Mary married the love of her life, James E. Markham. Mary loved storytelling, writing, and philosophy. She and James met at the San Antonio Writers Guild Convention, where she was vice president of the Writers Guild at the time. James was a photojournalist and together they weaved many beautiful stories in both word and image. They were blessed to travel together, for many years, in their retirement. She was preceded in death by her parents and adopted parents, Brothers; Ray Smith and Clinton Wallis and sisters; Jean Keen and Jessi Wallis. Her legacy and love lives on in her survivors; her loving husband of 39 years, James E. Markham, sisters; JerraLee Thompson (Erik) and Ruth Owens(Don). Children; son James Randall Trahan (Cheryl), and daughter Elena Trahan Golla, step-son Clifford T. Markham(Margaret), and step-daughter Crystal Ann Markham. Grandchildren; Elizabeth Trahan Poulos (Garrett), Vanessa Hurst (Nathan), Jackie Trahan, Jessica Zarate (Joey), Travis Golla (Carolyn), Carl Clifford Markham, and Jay Markham. Great grandchildren; Zabasthien David Zarate, Victoria Grace Zarate, Thomas Maverick Hurst, Gabriel Rocket Hurst, Everett Paul Zarate, Baby Hurst(on the way).
A celebration of life will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home on January 8, 2020 at 05:30pm. Located at 615 Landa Street New Braunfels, TX 78130. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to James E. Markham, in Mary’s honor, to assist in final expenses. An online memorial has been established through Dignity Memorial to allow those who cannot attend to leave photos, memories, and condolences.
"Lord, Don't bury me on a sunless day, when all around are skies of grey.
When those I love last look at me, I pray don't let them, sad shadows see.
Instead, let them remember me as laughing and giving, for one remembered with love is truly still living."
- Mary Rose Markham
