Mary Ellen Harvey

Mary Ellen Harvey died Monday, January 1, 2007 with the same clarity, grace, and dignity that guided her life. She was born August 16, 1925 to Elias and Frances Reese in Des Moines, Iowa. She married Grant W. Simpson, a USAF fighter pilot, on March 3, 1944. While stationed at Bergstrom AFB, he was killed in action in Korea in 1951. Mary Ellen remained in Austin with their two children (Grant Jr. and Deborah Elizabeth). She began her work career as secretary at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, then Executive Secretary at the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, and finally Executive Assistant and Financial Director of the Texas Bankers Association. Proving that good things come to those who wait, Mary Ellen married William P. Harvey on January 5, 1987. Their two decades together were filled with exciting travel and the myriad activities associated with their combined six children, 16 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Mary Ellen stayed very active in her bridge, garden, and book clubs. She was a communicant of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church since 1953, serving in many roles. She is survived by her husband, William P. Harvey; son, Grant W. Simpson, Jr., his wife, Karen, their three children (Owen, Grant III, and Kyle); daughter, Deborah Elizabeth Sanders, her husband, Richard, and their two children (Eli and Emily), and 6 great grandchildren. Her brother, Elias Reese, Jr, preceded her in death. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the music fund at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Meals on Wheels, or Safe Place. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com