Mary graduated from Malakoff High School. She married her sweetheart, Travis “Wayne” Brown, on July 28, 1956. They shared a very special love for 69 years. She dearly loved her daughters, Dameta and Lisa, and cherished every moment she had with them. She always referred to them as her “precious daughters” and was so very proud of them.
Mary was employed by Gulf States Telephone Company for 23 years, and then retired from ETMC Hospital in Athens after 12 years.
Mary’s love of gospel music began at an early age. She learned to play the piano by ear and later played the piano and became the pianist at Crescent Heights Baptist Church. She also loved to sing “specials” at church, where she sang one of her favorite songs titled “Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul.”
During their last ten years in Athens, they were members at Living for the Brand Church, where she was the Seniors Activities Planner. She played the piano for them and planned activities such as Tuesday domino days and potluck lunches.
As they moved to Nacogdoches in 2024, they have been a part of First Baptist Church TV ministry and have been thoroughly blessed by it.
Mary’s favorite hobby was sewing many special outfits for her girls, especially their Easter dresses. She also enjoyed sewing curtains, pillows, and re-covering chairs to add to her sewing talents.
Mary is known by her family and friends as always wanting to make sure that everyone heard the gospel and was assured that they were going to heaven when they die. Her family will always remember her sharing the message of salvation with them every Christmas. They will also remember her wonderful chili, spanish rice, and seasoned crackers every Christmas.
Special character traits she will be remembered for are her strength and resilience, her deep affection for others, and her sweet disposition. She made everyone feel special and loved.
In her last year of living at The Arbor, the bonds she made with other residents, caregivers and staff were cherished by all who knew her, as her special touch will be felt by many.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Wayne Brown.
She is survived by her daughters, Dameta Pride and husband Jeff, Lisa Labosky and husband Jim; sisters, Brenda Clark and husband Tommy, Debi Parkins and husband Wyatt; bonus sister, Wanda Hernandez; grandchildren, Candace Williams, Kyle Labosky, Heather Kee, Cody Mayfield, Ryan Mayfield, Christi Ramsey, Richard Pride; and 15 great-grandchildren.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Nacogdoches.
A special and heartfelt thank you to all of Mary’s caregivers for the kindness, compassion, and loving care they gave to her.
A visitation will be held at the chapel of First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, 411 North St, Nacogdoches, Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service starting at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
