Mary Atkinson

October 4, 1931 - June 25, 2026

With hearts full of gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Mary Elizabeth Roberts Atkinson, affectionately known to her family as "Mammaw." Mary peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 25, 2026, at the age of 94. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, generous hospitality, and a family that was the joy of her life.

Mary was born on October 4, 1931, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Roland Roberts and Beatrice Laney Roberts. At the age of nine, her family relocated to Houston, Texas, where she would eventually build the life and family she cherished.

On June 24, 1950, Mary married the love of her life, Sanford Elias "Don" Atkinson. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and countless memories over many decades of marriage. Their greatest accomplishment was the family they nurtured and the example of steadfast love they provided to generations that followed.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; her parents, Roland and Beatrice Roberts; her daughter, Elizabeth Hill Carraway, and son-in-law, Nick Carraway; her siblings, Faye Marnell Roberts, Florence Ann Carrizales, Ruby Joyce Noakes, Bobby Neal Roberts, Paul Douglas Roberts, and Vernon Lynn Roberts.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Carol Peil, and Gary and Kathryn Atkinson; her seven grandchildren, Bryan and Tara Hill; Cassondra and Justin Pfeifer; Angela and Ben Whitfield; Brandon Peil; Terra Anderson; Sarah and Jack Kahan; and Mary and TJ Bellama.

Her greatest delight was watching her family grow. She was blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren: Ashley Hill, Caleb Pfeifer, Macie Whitfield, Zane Pfeifer, Madilyn Whitfield, Audrey Kahan, Maverick Whitfield, Kate Kahan, Amelia Bellama, Brooks Anderson, Alice Bellama, Elizabeth Blake Anderson and Barrett Anderson. She is also survived by her brother, Roland Roberts Jr., along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

While raising a family, Mary pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and began teaching at Woodland Acres Elementary in Galena Park ISD in 1966. For more than thirty-five years she inspired generations of fourth and fifth grade students with patience, compassion, and encouragement. Retirement never truly suited Mary. She continued serving as a substitute teacher before returning to full-time work, helping students with dyslexia across three Galena Park ISD campuses. To Mary, teaching was never simply a profession, it was her ministry.

Faith was the foundation of Mary's life. She and Don faithfully attended Second Baptist Church in Deer Park, where Don served as a deacon. When the church later became Lifebridge Baptist Church, Mary remained a faithful member for many years, finding comfort and fellowship in the same church family she and Don had loved together. In her later years, she worshiped at First Baptist Church of Pasadena. Mary's deep love for God's Word shaped the way she lived. She faithfully read her Bible each day and especially enjoyed studying the book of Revelation and the ministry of angels. Her steadfast faith, quiet trust in God's promises, and servant's heart left a lasting example for her family and all who knew her.

If there was one place Mary loved most, it was her home, especially when it was filled with family. She possessed an extraordinary gift for hospitality and made everyone feel welcome. Whether preparing simple sandwiches with chips and salsa or creating elaborate Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas feasts, she found immense joy in feeding those she loved. One holiday gathering even found her preparing a meal for more than sixty-five people. Her table was never just a place to eat, it was where memories were made, stories were shared, and love was served in abundance.

Mary also found joy in life's quiet moments. A fresh cup of coffee on her patio while watching birds and squirrels, a favorite romance novel resting beside her chair, her Bible close at hand, and an episode of Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune playing in the background were among the simple pleasures that brought her contentment. She had a remarkable ability to appreciate both life's grand adventures and its peaceful everyday moments.

Adventure was woven into Mary's spirit. In fact, "Going there to do that,” the phrase proudly displayed on the back of her camper, became her unofficial motto and perfectly captured the way she embraced life. She loved camping with family and friends, enjoying everything from pop-up tents to luxurious motorhomes. Favorite destinations included Dam B near Spurger, Texas; Pedernales State Park; Texarkana and Ola, Arkansas; often alongside Bryan, Cassie, Angie, her nephew Patrick Hill, and family friend Jennifer Graves (Coughran). She also treasured visits to Midland with Terra, Arizona with Mary, and New York with Sarah.

Travel remained one of Mary's greatest passions throughout her life. Annual trips with the Roberts family to Quartzsite and the Colorado River at Lake Havasu became treasured traditions. Her adventurous heart carried her across the United States and around the world to the Holy Land, Australia, New Zealand, China, Nova Scotia, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Mexico, and through the Panama Canal. Whether the destination was across Texas or across the ocean, Mary rarely hesitated to pack her bags. If there was somewhere to explore or someone she loved to visit, she was always ready to say, "Going there to do that."

Those who knew Mary will remember far more than the places she visited or the meals she prepared. They will remember her gentle smile, her quiet strength, her steadfast faith, and the unconditional love she freely gave. She taught by example that family comes first, faith carries us through every circumstance, and the greatest blessings in life are found in serving others with humility and joy.

Her influence extends far beyond the classroom and beyond the walls of her home. It lives on in every student she encouraged, every family gathering she hosted, everyone who called her Mammaw, and every life she touched with kindness.

Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the assurance that Mary has reached her eternal home. Her earthly travels have ended, but her greatest journey has just begun.

Mary has made her final travel arrangements. Her destination is Heaven. She is finally Home.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3 (KJV)

A Celebration of Mary's Life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Pasadena, 7500 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas 77505. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

A graveside service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505.

Following the graveside service, the family warmly invites everyone to join them for a meal and time of fellowship in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Pasadena as they celebrate Mary's life, share cherished memories, and rejoice in the promise of eternal life.

Mary absolutely loved receiving flowers, and the family gratefully welcomes floral tributes in celebration of her beautiful life.