Mary Frances Symmank

Mary Frances (Goodson) Symmank was born on August 30, 1931 in Dime Box, Texas and peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 18, 2024, from her home in League City, Texas.

Mary was the eldest child of Vernon Anthony Goodson and Bertha Lee (Cottrell) Goodson. As a child, she attended school in Dime Box and later, graduated as Valedictorian, being one of 12 members of the Senior class. Mary’s parents instilled a strong work ethic in their children. Mary and her siblings would work in the hot summertime, picking cotton to pay for their school supplies. Next to her parents, her Grandmother, Frances “Mamoodie” Goodson was a tremendous influence in her life. Though her father had his mind set on his daughter attending Business school, Mary had other plans and pursued a career in Nursing. Mary attained her Nursing degree from Seton School of Nursing in Austin, Texas. She knew her calling and carried it out well by serving others all through her life.

Mary’s greatest love on earth was her husband, Ben Charles Symmank, Jr. When she met Ben, she painfully discovered he had “two left feet” and credits herself with teaching him how to dance. They were married in Giddings, Texas, on May 11, 1952. Ben and Mary were blessed with 60 years together. Their early years were financially lean but rich in love and covenant partnership. Ben and Mary agreed from the beginning of their marriage that God would be the center of their home. They welcomed their first son, Jim in 1953. Sadly, they endured the loss of their second child, Mary Lynn. Mary would later use this experience to comfort other parents in their loss. As time passed, they welcomed two more children, Cherie in 1956 and Bob in 1958. During these years, Mary took a 10 year pause from her career, investing in home and family.

The majority of Mary’s nursing career was spent at Spring Branch Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas. Labor & Delivery was her heart and passion. Her efforts were highlighted in the Houston Chronicle, January of 1983, with an article titled “Spring Branch nurse puts small hospital in spotlight”. The story explained how Mary helped implement family-centered care and flexibility during the birthing experience. The greatest joy of Mary’s career was attending (as nurse) the births of all 7 grandchildren, even delivering the last two, who couldn’t wait for the doctor!

As the grandchildren grew, Mary “Nanie” was front and center in modeling service and care to her whole family. It was not left in the hospital. Mary consistently used this scripture from Psalm 91:11 as a parting blessing to her family: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

She truly cared for every single person in her family and that love extended to everyone she met. Throughout her life Mary was passionate to share her love for Jesus with others. She took joy in serving with various ministries of her church. In addition, she was a huge advocate for children and would take every opportunity to connect with them. She would always greet them with her warmth and love.

One special thing to note about Mary is that she had a great love for gardening – and Ben helped with the heavy lifting. Her way to decompress after a busy workday was to groom and water her plants. She never met a pink rose or azalea she didn’t like. Mary also enjoyed the outdoors by caring for the birds. Her bird feeder was never empty. There is a treasured video of Mary coaxing the hummingbirds to eat from the top of her head as she donned a hot pink floppy hat and held the feeder on top. She patiently waited as they buzzed around her head to drink from the feeder. She was even known to set out cat food on her back porch for “Pete the Possum” who lived under her deck. Mary appreciated the many aspects of the beautiful world God made.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Bertha Goodson, her loving husband who adored her, Ben Symmank, Jr; her infant daughter, Mary Lynn; Brothers John, Charles “Ike”, and Joe Goodson; Sister “In Love” Brenda Goodson, whom Mary and Ben cared for in their home; Cherished “In Laws” Pete Flynn and Bill Shaw; Nephew, Michael Flynn and great-grandson, Callan James Symmank.

Mary is survived by her Sister, Verna Shaw; Her eldest son Jim and wife Kathy, her daughter Cherie and husband John Niscavits, her youngest son Bob and wife Becky; Her Grandchildren – Jennifer and husband Carl Modesette, Rebecca and husband Matt Koshy, Joseph and wife Mandy Niscavits, Ben and wife Crystin Niscavits, John and wife Lauren Niscavits, Matt and wife Genesis Symmank, Eric and wife Meredith Symmank; Great-grandchildren - Cory and Alex Modesette - Cru, Alister, Jadwin, Merrick, Logan, Josie and Beck Niscavits - Ben, Tatum, Martin and John Symmank. Mary was also blessed with a host of treasured Nephews and Nieces whom she adored, extended family and friends.

The family would like to convey their heartfelt appreciation to the outstanding Accent Hospice Care team members. Their multi-faceted support uplifted the family and provided excellent, loving care for precious Mary as her health declined. Finally, we owe our abundant thanks to Mary’s frequent caregiver and helper to the family, Debbie Young. Debbie immediately became a close friend to Mary and brought her great joy as they shared many stories together over the last year.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to: St. Mark Lutheran School, KHCB Radio, The Lutheran Hour or Mission Central LCMS.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2024 at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, Texas 77055. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 28 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1515 Hillendahl Blvd, Houston, Texas 77055.