Macra Ann Brunson

Dr. Macra Ann (Holcomb) Brunson passed away on January 29, 2026, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Macra was born on October 22, 1924, to Carrie Ann (Welch) Holcomb and Arthur William Holcomb in Huntsville, Texas, the youngest of 7 children. She grew up in Walker, Texas and later attended Sam Houston State College, University of Houston and completed her doctorate at East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce). Macra was an active participant in life throughout her 101 years. She loved to cook, play card games, and work jigsaw puzzles. Macra was devoted to God, her family, and service to others.

Macra met and married the love of her life, Weldon Roy Brunson, during the war years. They maintained a loving and supportive marriage until Weldon passed away in 1975. The family lived in Houston, Clute and Nacogdoches raising three children, Ann Brunson, Weldon Edward Brunson (Mary Nelle) and Mark Brunson. They enjoyed cooking and entertaining their extended families. There was always good food, games and laughs at family gatherings. During this time Macra taught Elementary School in Brazosport ISD. In 1966, they moved to Nacogdoches so she could work with NISD to set up a Head Start program. Later she joined the faculty of Stephen F. Austin State University. She was a Reading Professor in the Elementary Education Department until her retirement and then a second retirement and finally full retirement from SFA with emeritus status.

When they arrived in Nacogdoches, Macra and Weldon moved their church membership to First Methodist Church where she was a member until her death. She demonstrated her love of God through service to her church and community. Macra served her church in many capacities but is most frequently remembered for her cooking. She cooked the Wednesday night church meal for many years and always brought sweet treats to Sunday School and church gatherings. When a church “Bake Sale” was held, her treats went quickly. Macra also served in the community as a member and leader of professional and community organizations. Among her organizations were Eastern Star, Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ladies Auxiliary of the Order of the Purple Heart, a volunteer at Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin and at Lehmann Eye Center. She was an active volunteer in the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Order of the Purple Heart. She volunteered at the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin and at Lehmann Eye Center. In 2015 at the age of 91, Macra was awarded the Martha Washington Spirit Award, a national award presented by the Military Order of the Purple Heart at the National Convention in Las Vegas. The award was presented to Macra “in appreciation for her commitment and dedication in honoring American Veterans”. On the state level, she received the Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year award in 2009 and 2013. Macra visited veterans about three times a week in hospitals, nursing homes or at home. Macra volunteered at Lehmann Eye Center for more than 20 years. She compiled several cookbooks of her own recipes and other delicious treats with her fellow volunteers at Lehmann’s. In all her service she was known for her compassion, her warm smile and homemade treats.

Macra shared her deep love for God, her family and her community by showing us how to serve others. Her passing creates a big hole in our hearts but we know she is at peace with her savior. She is survived by her daughter Ann, her son Mark, her daughter-in-law Mary Nelle, eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son Edward and her siblings.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of The Arbor Assisted Living Memory Care facility and Heart to Heart Hospice Care for their care and compassion.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 3 from 5-7 pm at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral home in Nacogdoches, Texas. A graveside service will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Rusk, Texas, at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 4. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches, VFW, Love INC. or a charity of your choice.

Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons Ed Brunson, Billy Brunson, Marc Stokke, Seth Brunson, Jake Brunson and great grandsons Kody Brunson, Tyler Brunson and Logan Wooley.

Services are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.