Mary Francis Whitsett

Mary Francis was born to J. Blewett & Martha Camp Smyth in Beaumont, Texas. She was preceded in death by her five siblings, J. B. Smyth, George W. Smyth, Mildred Josey, Rosaltha Seng and Blewett A. Smyth.

Always proud of her Texas heritage, she was the great-granddaughter of George W. Smyth, a Mexican Land Commissioner for Texas and a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Her beloved father, J.Blewett Smyth, was the founder of Uvalde Rock Asphalt.

Raised in San Antonio, she graduated from St. Mary's Hall and attended Baylor University.

In her early years she was involved with the Junior League, the Conservation Society and was presented as a duchess by the Order of the Alamo.

Mary Francis loved the outdoors. She spent her childhood swimming and riding horses living between the family ranch in Leon Springs and San Antonio and later as a gardener on her family farm in Boerne.

Married for 53 years she met her husband Emmett L. Whitsett, Jr. while greeting customers at NBC Bank.

She was a faithful mother who actively participated in the lives of her children, always looking for ways to serve her family.

Her life was defined by her faith in Jesus Christ. She was always sharing her love for God with others through her ongoing energy, smile and friendly conversation. Studying and teaching the Bible became her life's work. She was one of the first discussion group leaders of BSF Bible Study Fellowship when it began in San Antonio. She was an active member in Christian organizations and of Wayside Chapel.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Emmett L. Whitsett, Jr.; son, John E. Whitsett and his wife Catherine, daughter, Martha Frances Whitsett Steiger and her husband Fritz. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Benjamin Steiger, Jonathan Steiger, Zechariah Steiger, Sarah Steiger, Elizabeth Steiger, Peter Steiger and Jamey Whitsett. In addition, she is survived by Truman Smyth of Michigan and numerous nieces and nephews.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 9, 2011

1:30 P.M.

FLORESVILLE CITY CEMETERY

FLORESVILLE, TEXAS

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 10, 2011

1:00 P.M.

WAYSIDE CHAPEL

1705 NW LOOP 410

WITH A RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Pastor John Gordon and Pastor Steve Troxel to officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.