Mary F. Carmichael

Born Mary Brown in 1942 in Lonoke, Arkansas, she moved to San Antonio, Texas as a young girl, then spent her teen years in Orange, Texas. She was the 4th of seven siblings, whom she treasured throughout her life. Graduating from West Orange High School in 1960, she relocated to the San Antonio area, where she lived the remainder of her life.

Married in 1965, she gave birth to a son, Wayne, in 1967, and twin daughters, Jean and Renee, in 1970. She worked as a secretary at the phone company in the 1960s and early 70s, and later for Allstate Insurance for more than 20 years, throughout the 80s and 90s.

She counted her role as a mother as her biggest life achievement. Her children were blessed by her work ethic, dedication, and dependability. Raising her children as a single parent, she worked hard to provide for the family, taking part-time jobs in addition to her full-time one, just to make ends meet. In addition, she supported her children by cheering through countless school plays, choir concerts, basketball games, and marching band halftime shows. She took great pride that all her children achieved a college education, something she wished she had been able to attain for herself.

She will be remembered by many for her generosity, kindness, and loyalty. She helped friends, neighbors, and family members with childcare. During times of need, she would be there to help, with no fanfare, quietly folding the laundry, washing the dishes, or changing diapers at 3 a.m. Upon meeting a family who had lost everything during Hurricane Katrina, she allowed them to stay with her -- rent free -- till they could get back on their feet. She later opened her home again for her nephew and his wife when they needed a place to stay. She drove the elderly to and from doctor’s appointments, sewed quilts for premature babies, hand-sewed bears for Hospice families who had lost a loved one, volunteered to teach English as a Second Language, and so much more.

Of all that she did, the thing she loved most was caring for her grandkids. She deeply and genuinely loved all children. But her love for children multiplied exponentially when it came to her five grandchildren. She marveled at their individuality and delighted in watching them discover the world.

She remained active and vigorous in her retirement years. She was a faithful member of her church. She enjoyed attending events and get-togethers with her large extended family. Neighbors noticed her mowing her own lawn and pulling weeds well into her late 70s, despite the South Texas heat. An avid quilter, she left a trove of beautifully-designed, expertly-crafted quilts that will be enjoyed for many generations to come. She also loved pets, owning several beloved dogs through the years, and, recently, discovering a love for cats. Her two cats remained her faithful companions until her final moments. She also collected teddy bears, taking great pleasure in simple things.

Late in her life, she developed her own inner peace. She showed great courage in the face of cancer, due to her deep contentment and her strong Christian faith. In her last months of life, she was filled with humor and joy. She died peacefully in her home on Christmas Eve, her favorite day of the year.

She is survived by her children: son Wayne Carmichael and daughter-in-law Mary; daughter Renee Brandon and son-in-law Mark; daughter Jean Lombardo and son-in-law Luigi, and her five grandchildren: Jennifer Carmichael, Connor Carmichael, Justin Schwausch, Sophia Brandon, and Claire Brandon.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Pat LaBoeuf, and is survived by her remaining siblings: Shelton Brown, Lil McCue, Nell Mueller, Gladys Williams, and Frank Brown, as well as sisters- and brothers-in-law, and multiple generations of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s honor to her longtime church home, First Baptist Church of Universal City.

She specified in her final wishes to tell everyone: “Thanks for the gumball!”