Mary June Byford passed away on January 12 at her home in Baytown. She was born on December 11, 1935, in Schwab City, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marsh and Oma Kimes of Schwab City, and her brother, Wayne Kimes, also of Schwab City.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Dr. David L. Byford of Baytown; her son and daughter-in-law, David Byford and Suzanne Sellers of Houston; and her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kay Byford of Baytown. Her grandchildren include Blake Byford and his wife, Bailey, of Mont Belvieu; Henry Byford of Silverton, Colorado; and Lauren Byford of Baytown. Mary June is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Taylor and Judge Don Taylor of Liberty; her niece, Marsha LaFour of Liberty, and nephew, Don Taylor, Jr., and his wife, Lori, of Liberty, as well as their children and grandchildren. Mary June also leaves behind longtime friends and neighbors Wayne and Sandy Arnett of Baytown and Kinney and Debbie Fitzgerald of Beach City.
Growing up among family members and friends in Schwab City, Mary June was grounded in a strong Christian faith at an early age. She worshipped at University Baptist Church in Clear Lake. She had a special place in her heart for the staff and congregation at University Baptist for their prayers and support during her illness, as well as their commitment to community service.
Mary June was extremely proud of a teaching career that spanned almost 40 years. She began her career as an English teacher and librarian at Anahuac Junior High in 1957. She also taught English at Liberty Junior High from 1964 to 1966. She taught third- and fourth-grade English and reading in Highlands from 1967 to 1976. She began teaching at Barbers Hill Elementary in 1977, retiring in 1994. In addition to touching the lives of thousands of students, she cherished the friendships with numerous fellow teachers.
Mary June graduated from Livingston High School in 1954. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville in 1957. She later received a master of science degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
Following her retirement from teaching, Mary June enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Her special places included the Holy Land, Europe and the Mediterranean, and Africa. For many years she and her husband traveled to Colorado in early fall to see the turning of the aspen leaves.
Following Mary June’s passing, a private graveside service was held at Holly Grove Cemetery near Livingston. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Mary June’s honor.
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