Mary Lee Stockton

Mary Lee Stockton, 75, longtime resident of Brooks County, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 22, 2015 after an extended illness. Mary was born on December 8, 1939 to William A. “Bill” Stockton and Ruth Tankersley Stockton. She was raised in Falfurrias, alongside her sister, Billy Ruth, attending Sacred Heart School and graduating from Falfurrias High School in 1958. Mary Lee was a member of the first girls’ basketball team at Falfurrias High School and this love of the game of basketball led to her choice of career. Upon graduation from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas, she started a coaching career that lasted more than 30 years. Mary went to Calallen High School as an assistant basketball coach and head track coach, after coaching in Post, Ganado, Premont, and Rivera. Mary loved her students and athletes, and loved working with teachers and the coaching staff. She enjoyed many successes with trips to the UIL State Basketball Tournament and to the UIL State Track Meet. As an assistant coach of the 1990 UIL State Basketball Championship team, Mary was looking forward to attending the UIL State Basketball Tournament in San Antonio this March as an honoree with the 1990 State Championship Team from Calallen High School on the 25th anniversary of that championship game.

Upon retiring from coaching, Mary returned to the family’s small cattle ranch in Brooks County and started her second career as a cattle rancher. She loved “the farm” and liked nothing better than getting in her pickup and driving the fence line and checking the condition of her treasured cows. Mary had names for them all, and was truly sad when any of them had to go to the cattle sale. Cows weren’t the only animals on the farm. She was soft-hearted when it came to animals and rescued countless dogs and cats, taking in all strays, and giving them a home. One of her strays, Sparky, was her constant companion, never leaving her side during the final days at home.

Mary was a cherished aunt to her sister’s four children, teaching them to fish, play cards, drive fast, and to appreciate a good joke and a good story. She loved a good story, and would often entertain family and friends with stories from her quirky perspective. Mary was friend and mentor to many. She loved her family and was happiest on the farm and in Falfurrias.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Ruth Stockton, and her dearly loved sister, Billy Ruth Stockton Scott. She is survived by her nephews Bill Scott, Wade Scott; nieces Laura Scott and Rhonda Scott Priesmeyer (Mark); great nephew Matt Priesmeyer (Melissa), and great niece Rebecca Priesmeyer, as well as many cousins.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at New Century Hospice, especially her nurse and case manager Maria Elena Salinas, and spiritual advisor Deacon Richard Costley. Father Matthew Stevens’ visits were always a welcome source of comfort. In addition, longtime employees Mike Lemus and Irma Moya were a source of constant support. Florencia Escobar, Mary’s caregiver, provided excellent care throughout Mary’s last two years. Keeping Mary at home was made possible by the kindness and caring of these people as well as many other friends and family throughout Mary’s long and hard battle with cancer and COPD.

Serving as pallbearers are Wade Scott, Bill Scott, Matt Priesmeyer, Glenn Maupin, Trey Wright, and Phillip Wright. Honorary pallbearers are Will Paul Wright, Jim Maupin, Jack Maupin, Fred Dickinson, and Mark Priesmeyer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to either Animal Rescue Kingsville, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias, or a charity of choice.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 pm. at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Sacred Heart Church in Falfurrias. Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.