Fay Lax

Fay Lax, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away at her daughter’s home on Monday, February 21, 2022. She was born to Eddie and Mallie Thornberry in Sweetwater, Texas, and had one older brother, Robert Thornberry. Fay was raised in Lubbock, Texas, where she met her husband of 60 years, Blackie Lax. She had two daughters, Carolyn and Janice, three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Fay was absolutely the heart of the family that she dearly loved.

As a young woman, Fay lived a short time in Ft. Worth, Texas where she worked as an elevator operator at the 7th Street Montgomery Ward’s store. On March 1, 1949, she started a career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Lubbock. Blackie and Fay were married on October 29, 1949. They moved to Amarillo, Texas in 1975 when she accepted a position as Manager of Operator Services. With 35 years of service at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Fay retired on December 30, 1983.

After retiring from Southwestern Bell Telephone, Fay was asked to work in the communications department at St. Anthony’s hospital in Amarillo. She worked there for 11½ years, retiring as Supervisor of Communications and Security. While in Amarillo, Blackie and Fay were members of Saint Stephen Methodist Church.

In 1995, Blackie and Fay moved to Mansfield, Texas to be closer to family. Blackie suffered a debilitating stroke in April, 2000. Fay instantly became a devoted caregiver to Blackie for the next ten years, which allowed him to live at home until his death on February 27, 2010.

While in Mansfield, Blackie and Fay where members of First United Church Mansfield. Fay was an active member of the church. She was a real student of the bible and applied what she learned in the way she lived her life. For numerous years, Fay was a door greeter on Sunday. She also attended weekly bible study classes, served on the Care Committee that prepared food for families after funeral & memorial services and was on the Social Committee that decorated the venue for Sunday school events. Fay loved her church family and made numerous friends there. She served selflessly and brought life and love into every activity.

Fay was an excellent cook who loved to entertain. She loved making and sharing wonderful foods for all occasions. Fay took numerous cooking classes to learn new techniques and recipes. After retirement, she took painting lessons and became an excellent artist. In addition to filling her home with her artwork, she generously gifted pieces to her family and friends.

Fay made lifelong friends everywhere! She found great joy in being with people and constantly reached out to make them feel loved and welcome. She never met a stranger and made many special friends who remained close throughout the years. Fay was beautiful inside and out and lived life to the fullest. She was a loyal friend who always reached out to help others. Fay is lovingly remembered for her optimistic, happy and endearing personality. She had an amazing spirit and left many broken hearts when God called her home.

Fay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Blackie, her brother, Robert Thornberry, and her daughter, Carolyn Carpenter. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Keeling (Bill); three grandchildren, Kolby Keeling(Jamie), Lisa Etheridge and Lori Rooks; seven great grandchildren, Taylor Bacarro, Koy Keeling, Kennedi Rooks, Kade Keeling, Noah Etheridge, Naudia Rooks and Alyssa Etheridge.

Her memorial service will be held at First Methodist Church Mansfield, 777 N Walnut Creek Drive, Mansfield, Texas 76063 on Wednesday, March 9 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements through Moore Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens of Arlington, Texas.

A memorial service for Fay will be held Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at First Methodist Church Mansfield, 777 N Walnut Creek Dr, Mansfield, TX 76063.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Lax family.