(On Thursday, September 21, 2017, Mary’s sweet spirit ascended to her heavenly home at the age of 85.) On December 6, 1931, in Houston, Texas a baby girl named Mary Ella was born to Ernest Crawford and Bessie Tasker. She was born into a family of two boys in the 6th Ward area of Houston and graduated from the Houston Public Schools system. On June 12, 1948, Mary married Fred Killings, Sr. During this union six children were born: Two boys and four girls—Artrey, Barbara, Evelyn, Fred Jr., Kenneth and Claudia. In 1953, the couple moved their family to the Pleasantville community of Houston, Texas where they were among the first couples to move in and became elated that their children could attend neighborhood schools. She was a very active member of the neighborhood social club that made sure the community stayed a quality place to live. She loved life, her family and community to the fullest. During the late 1950’s, she united with the Greater Mount Pillow Baptist Church. She often talked about leaving, and joining Greater Mount Pillow, because it was most like her roots as a member of The Church of God in Christ. Her strong faith in God and in her loving husband allowed her to be an affectionate wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. In spite of taking care of her husband and children, she was a tireless loyal diligent worker. She attended Franklin Beauty School in 3rd Ward. Not only did she bring finances in the home through taking care of others hair, but she was very thrifty because she had four girls and made sure their hair was always fashionable. She was a housekeeper in private homes and at the Houston Dental Branch. She and her husband made sure their children had everything they needed. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers-Willie Hewitt and Willie Hicks, five grandchildren- Beverly, Arthur, Jr., Sandra, Alfred and LaTonya. She is survived by her husband of 69 years Fred Killings, Sr. Six children Artrey, Barbara, Evelyn, Fred Jr., Kenneth and Claudia (Steven), two grandchildren who were very instrumental during her last years Tiffany Nicole and Johnny Lee, and four other grandchildren (Marcus, Justin, Wesley, Katelyn) 7 great grandchildren(LaTisha, Jaelinn, Jakaelin, SaNya, Dion, Stacy, Destiny), one great great grandchild and a host of family and friends.
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