Mary Ella Norman Green

She was born 16 July 1939 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to James Clayton Norman, a career Army officer and urban planner, and Vandalia (née Mott), a homemaker and dedicated community servant.

From an early age Mary displayed a great love of reading and books- a passion that burned and was a major influence her entire life.

James’ service in WWII separated him from the young family, which, at that point, included Mary’s older sister, Nancy and a younger sister, Ruth.

Following the war the family was posted to Germany, where Mary attended Straubing American School and the family toured extensively throughout Europe.

A few years later the family returned stateside. Mr. Norman completed this military service with postings to Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio) and Stillwater, OK.

As a highschool senior, Mary worked at the San Antonio Public Library where she met a co-worker who would become her future husband- Robert Green.

She paused the pursuit of her library science degree to marry in 1959 and soon had two sons- Robert, Jr. and James.

Mary was a loving, devoted and respectful wife and mother, who also engaged in the issues of those days. She participated in civil rights marches, sold poll taxes to encourage voting, was active in the League of Women Voters, volunteered in numerous local and national political campaigns and served as an election judge for several years.

Mary redefined herself in mid-life as her sons matured and her marriage dissolved: she completed her degree, forged deep, lasting friendships with several independent and accomplished women, became interested in feminist issues and began working outside the home. She worked for the 1980 census, worked for several years at L & M Bookstore and at the circulation desks of several public libraries ending her career as the Circulation Desk Manager at the Central Library downtown- reflections of herbibliophilia.

During this time she expanded her activism: volunteering as an escort for Planned Parenthood patients, volunteering at a battered women's shelter, organizing a local PFLAG chapter and participating in feminist causes.

In retirement she traveled frequently in her PT Cruisers (she eventually had three) to Dallas to visit family and also enjoyed visiting the coast. She was active in the lives of her grandchildren- helping drive them to and from school, attending recitals and sporting events and taking them with her on out-of-town trips.

In addition to her love of books and reading, Mary was also an able craftsperson who was competent in carpentry, painting and refinishing and highly skilled at sewing. She also enjoyed visiting thrift stores and garage sales. It was there she found many unique and unusual treasures to fill her home.

Mary’s parents and older sister preceded her in death. Survivors include sisters Ruth, Jane and Judy, sons Robert and James, daughter-in-law Brenda, grandchildren Robert (III), Jake, Sophia and Eve, great-grand daughters Judith and Eliana, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the many professionals who assisted during her long illness, especially her long-time general practitioner Dr. Huyen Nguyen, long-time friend and massage therapist Donna Davis, Neurologist Dr. Ben Millar and the staff of Inspiration Hills Rehabilitation Center. The family also thanks neighbors for their valuable help: Melissa and Enrique Serda, Omar and Esther Rios, Robert Atherton and Mark and Lila Walker.

It was Mary’s wish honorary pallbearers include: sisters Nancy, Ruth, Jane and Judy, numerous friends Ann Riordan, Judy Kovacs-Long, Joan Meltz, Vergie Junot, Pam Bonds, Wes Hiatt, Jane Tuck, Peg Butler, Myrna Von Nimitz, Ginger Purdy, Lovita Wilson, Rowena Rodgers, Darlene Murnin, Sandra Moore-Pope, Linda Comeaux, Sue Vickers, Frankie Bermudez, Esther Vexler, Joan Sahm, Laura Burt, Loretta Evans, Julie Peterson, Karyne Conley, Tess Giolma, Connie Sonnen, Jane Macon, Carolyn Spears, Bonnie Reed, Gloria Cadena, Carol Blyth-Frost, Emma Tenayuca, Pat Smothers,Crystal Langfeld and Pat Schmahlenberger.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Planned Parenthood Foundation (https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/), EMILYs List (https://emilyslist.org/) or PFLAG San Antonio Chapter (https://pflagsanantonio.org/).

Please click here to view a livestream of the service.