Mary Helen (Cason) Hight

Mary Helen “Babe” Cason Hight, whose funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Christ Episcopal Church, was considered a valued member of the Nacogdoches community, an involved Episcopalian at Christ Episcopal Church, and a frequent volunteer in charitable services to the city.

She was born December 29, 1925, to Thomas Bowden Cason and Martha Theodocia Griffith Nelson of Nacogdoches and was delivered by her cousin, Dr. A.A. Nelson, in her mother’s family home at 522 E. Main in the city. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School where she was president of the Honor Society. She spent her freshman year at Hockaday in Dallas, Texas, and the following year at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in history and social work and became a social worker in Houston and Dallas before marrying Joseph “J” Carey Hight from Mexia, Texas.

Nicknamed “Babe” or “Money” by family and friends, she was a bright creative and active person whose loyalty to family was unmatched. After her husband’s retirement, she returned to Nacogdoches adding her organizational ability and financial support to the beginning of Daughters of the King at Christ Episcopal Church. A volunteer to “meals on wheels,” the women’s shelter, and Godtel, she included such charities with her other activities.

She passed away at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, with quietness, peaceful repose, and resolve after 89 years in love of God, church, and those in need.

Mary Helen is survived by three children: Bowden Cason Hight of Austin, Texas, Roger Hight and wife Rebecca of the same city, and Arlene Carey Reeves and husband Bruce of Ennis, Texas. Daughter Martha Helen Orr and son Eugene “Genie” Hight preceded her in death, as well as her husband, who died in 2007. Grandchildren surviving her are Carey Marie Hight, Susan Marie Hight, Akemi Martha Hight, and Starr Yoshie Hight, all from Austin. One great-grandchild is Violet Lucille Lincoln, also from Austin.

Pallbearers are Rich Braun, Don Noot, Jamie Thompson, Dan Norton, Mike Keller, John Fleming, Bruce Reeves, and Bill Patton.

Honorary pallbearers are Paul Davis, John Nelson, Roland Muckleroy, Billy Willis, Harold Bogan, Bryan Holt Davis, and Jack Tigner.

Thanks and gratitude goes to caregivers Ruth Langford and Gaynell Duke for their kindness, support, and devotion.

Contributions can be made to Christ Episcopal Church or any charity of your choice.

Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.