GARRISON, MARY NELL (1913 ~ 2008). The following is an obituary for Mary Nell Garrison, spouse of former director of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Ranger Chief Homer Garrison Jr. The obituary was published in the September 8, 2008 edition of the Austin American Statesman.
"Mary Nell Garrison passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2008. Born in Waco, Texas, Mary Nell spent her adult years in Austin where she made an impact on the business and civic communities. After marrying Homer Garrison, Jr., she devoted herself to the family, but found time to be involved in the community. She was the catalyst to begin a number of organizations.
She was the founding President of the Women's Symphony League, very active in and President of the Helping Hand Society, a founding director of the Shivers Cancer Center and President of the Seton Development Board. Her husband and son were involved with the Boy Scouts, so she was as well and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for exemplary service. After her son Homer Garrison III, went to college she decided to enter the business world.
In 1965 she founded Mary Nell Garrison Realtors which is now Austin's oldest residential real estate company. She was a force in the business world serving as a director of the Chevy Chase National Bank, The American National Bank, Mercantile Bank and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Mary Nell was appointed to the Committee for Women in the Armed Forces by President Johnson. Governor Briscoe selected her to serve as a Regent of Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas. In recognition of her contributions to so many endeavors she was named Austin's most Worthy Citizen by the Austin Board of Realtors. The Rotary Club of Austin awarded the Community Service Award to her as well.
One of the greatest joys in her life was her Church. She was a member for many years of the First United Methodist Church and served it in many ways. She taught the same Sunday School class for sixty years and the Church honored this service by naming a Chapel for her. She was an avid reader. For more than fifty years she entertained audiences in Austin with her book reviews, It was hard to tell who enjoyed it more, Mary Nell or her listeners.
Mary Nell is survived by her son, Homer Garrison III and his wife Anne, two grandchildren, Tiffany Garrison Parker and her husband Rick of Longview, Texas, Monroe Garrison and his wife Alicia of Houston, Texas, and three great-grandsons, Richard Parker, Thomas Garrison and Charles Garrison.
The Family wishes to express their deep gratitude to her loving care givers and to Hospice Austin for the joy and care they brought to her in her final days. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to the Mary Nell Garrison Chapel at the First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, Austin, Texas 78701. Service to be held at the First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, Austin, on Wednesday, September 10, 2008; time is pending. Interment will be held at the Texas State Cemetery."
Further information is available through the Texas State Cemetery research department. |
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