Mary Simms Park Caldwell

Mary was born on Saturday, January 19, 1918, in Elmina, Texas, to William Gilmer and Grace (Barnett) Simms. She was married to King Travis Park in 1940, and together they raised four children and his two sons. After Travis’ death in 1973, Mary spent many years traveling, volunteering, and giving selflessly to others before marrying her second husband, Gordon William Caldwell, in 1982.

Mary was a charter member of Tallowood Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for more than fifty years. She was an active, lifetime member and annual style show model for the Houston Baptist Auxiliary and contributed greatly to Houston Baptist University. Mary served as Vice President of the family company, Transerve (predecessor of Rush Enterprises), as well as being a Bluebird and Girl Scout leader and an active member of the PTA for Spring Branch School District for more than five decades. For Mary, her love of family was second only to her love of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. Her home was the center of her family and served as the gathering place for all. Over the years, she hosted countless celebrations for holidays, family get-togethers and milestones, and special times with friends. Mary was extremely proud of her family and would gladly share their latest news and accomplishments with anyone willing to listen. Her love for her family had no end, and she will be greatly loved, cherished, and missed by all who knew her.

Mary is preceded in death by her first husband, Travis Park; her sister, Mattie Lee Jordan; her brothers Frank, Jesse, Gilmer, and Autry Simms; and her grandson, Gene Park. She is survived by her husband, Gordon W. Caldwell; her four children: Ja’Net Rush, Shirley Thompson, John Park, and Rose Ann Hancock; her two step-sons: King Travis Park Jr. and Donald Park; her seven surviving grandchildren: King Park, Amanda Seiler, Melinda MacGregor, Tona van Heerden, Parker Rush, Paige Meyer, and Parker Hancock; twelve great grandchildren, and one great, great grandson. Mary is also survived by her second husband’s family, including: four children, fifteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

The family gave a special thanks to Mary’s loving caregivers, Cecilia Castellanos and Mary Perez.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were: King Park, Parker Rush, Parker Hancock, Dale Meyer, Jacques van Heerden, and Tom Seiler.

A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood in Houston. The family gathered for a private interment service at Brookside Cemetery later that afternoon.