Mary Abright

Mary Lee Powell Abright, 92, passed away on July 21, 2016 in Gatesville, TX following a brief illness. Mary Lee was born in Houston, TX on December 24, 1923 to Harlan Carnes Powell and Maidee (Hall) Powell. She spent most of her life in Dallas, TX. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1941 and was inducted into the National Honor Society. In 1945, she received a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Southern Methodist University, where she was a member and treasurer of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She remained an active Tri Delta member and supporter throughout her life. On September 11, 1943, Mary Lee married William Francis (Bill) Abright in Dallas. Together, they raised three children, Mary Susanne (Susie) Abright, William F. (Bill) Abright, Jr., and Harlan P. Abright. Mary Lee was a lifelong member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, although she regularly attended St. Monica Catholic Church with her husband and children. She was an active member of the Dallas Woman's Club, the Marianne Scruggs Garden Club, the Mary K. Craig Class, and the Wee Investors investment club. Her involvement in social activities with her friends was one of her favorite pastimes. She supported a number of organizations, including the Methodist Children's Home in Waco, TX, the Humane Society, the Dallas Zoo, and the Dallas Arboretum. She enjoyed travel, especially when family business allowed her to spend time in Panama with her husband. She also loved animals and was known to take great care of her dogs as well as the backyard birds, squirrels, and rabbits. Most of all, she loved her family unconditionally. She was most happy when she was spending time with family.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill in 2004 and her daughter Susie in 2015. She is survived by her two sons: Bill and his wife, Stephanie, of Gatesville, TX; and Harlan and his wife, Leisa, of Lubbock, TX. She is also survived by five grandchildren: John Abright and his wife, Amanda, of The Woodlands, TX; Daniel Abright of Lubbock, TX; Heather Abright of Graham, TX; Matthew Abright of Dallas, TX; and Thomas Abright of Lubbock, TX.

Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.