Mary Faye Heffington

Mary Faye Wright, affectionately known as Dee Dee Heffington, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2019. She was 72 years old. Due to complications with her heart, she peacefully departed this world in the presence of family and friends to reunite with her mother and father. Mary was born on November 11, 1946 in Rogers, Texas to Harrison Holmes and Juanita (Nita) Faye Wright. Her older brother, David Harrison Wright, was a constant companion during their rural upbringing. It was David who began calling her Dee Dee at a young age, a nickname that her friends and family would go on to use for the remainder of her life. A self-proclaimed “tomboy,” she enjoyed participating in activities with her dad such as assisting him with raising cattle and horses, fishing and hunting. She especially liked joining him at the auctions in Buckholts, Texas when he would attend. When she wasn’t out in the field with H.H., she was with Nita in the kitchen learning all of the great cooking and baking skills she would carry into her adult life, which she subsequently passed on to her own children. Nita was also a great seamstress, and taught Dee Dee how to sew anything from her own doll’s clothes to quilts our families still use today. From her dad she gleaned great determination, grit and tenacity. From her mother she gleaned compassion, understanding and tenderness.

                Dee Dee graduated from Rogers High School in 1965. She looked upon these days fondly and carried some wonderful friendships from this time into the remainder of her life. In 1966 she married Larry Wade Guess of Salado, Texas. They lived in several towns across the state of Texas over the next several years, including Huntsville and Dumas, prior to settling in Temple. While in Dumas, their first two daughters, Sheri Renee and Sharla Michelle were born in 1970 and 1971 respectively. 1976 would bring their third child, Sean Christopher, by this time residing in Temple. During this time Dee Dee attended various colleges, ultimately receiving her degree in Home Economics from Sam Houston State University. She would go on to become a teacher in both Rogers and Killeen ISDs. Upon retirement, she was free to spend more time with her three children and five grandchildren. One of her favorite activities during her later years was fishing with her dear friend Ann "Annie" Eldredge.

                Dee Dee will forever be remembered as a person who gave very generously of her time, consideration and support. Though opinionated, she was always encouraging to those around her, and would stop at nothing to insure that anyone in need was lifted up. She was part of a close and lasting neighborhood network at her home on Oakdale, a kind of extended family in and of itself, to which she can attribute some of her greatest friendships, most especially with Loretta and Gene Gowan, and Linda and Bob Chaison. To her grandchildren, which she cherished above all else, she was known as Mimi. As one of her granddaughters puts it: (M)arvelous, (I)nteresting, (M)iraculous, (I)nviting. She really was all of these things and more. She enjoyed nothing more than getting to spend time with her grandchildren, observing their growth and providing her patented unwavering support for their interests and personalities. She is their very special angel now and will be able to observe them from her peaceful perch as they continue to develop. They will no doubt feel her presence and encouragement for the rest of their long lives.

                Dee Dee is survived by her brother David, her children Sheri, Sharla and Sean, her children-in-law Tim and Cybil, and her grandchildren Cohen, Lorelai, Marlo, Jagger and Louis. She is also survived by wonderful friends both near and far.

                A celebration of Dee Dee’s life will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at The Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum (Santa Fe Depot) in Temple, beginning at 5:00 pm. Dancing was one of her favorite activities, so don your boots for some two-stepping and waltzing. Dinner will be provided following a short ceremony, and we encourage everyone to bring stories and memories to share.

                 In lieu of flowers, please donate to the 2019 Bell County Heart Walk by emailing by emailing [email protected] and they will assist you with your donation.