Mary Greth

Surrounded by loving family, Mary Juanita Cavender Greth passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on April 10, 2025, in Waco, TX. She was 78. Born in Burns, TN on December 29, 1946 to Agnes Ballard Cavender and Nathaniel Pete Cavender. She made headlines early as she tipped the scales as a newborn baby at 13lbs. A feat which landed her on the front page of her local newspaper, an entertaining note since she was always of a petite nature. She had a special relationship with her dad, in part due to his experience with the Army during the Pacific Campaign of WW2. Almost a year after returning from seeing the evils of war, he was softened and delighted by the birth of his newborn daughter.

Although being born in Tennessee, Mary grew up in Evansville, IN after her dad was transferred as a member of the L&N Railroad. She was the fifth of nine siblings; she had four brothers and four sisters-all of whom she loved dearly and could never see enough. She always stood out with her adventuresome and infectious spirit. While overhearing a phone call between her mom and uncle, she adamantly volunteered for the opportunity to move to Virginia and help take care of her grandmother at the age of 14. She spent her freshman year of high school in Virginia, caring for her grandmother. This was a transformative year of her life. She enjoyed the change and excelled at school. Mary was voted class president, became a member of the basketball team, and was second runner up for homecoming queen. She moved back to Evansville after a year and graduated from Central High School in 1964.

Mary was the only sibling to move out of the Evansville, IN area. She lived in many places including Kansas, San Antonio, Waco and Midland, TX. Midland is where she spent over 40 years raising a family, working, and being very involved in the local community. Her time in Midland included being a Pink Lady at Midland Memorial Hospital, a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and Bellview Baptist, a member of the Volvo Women’s Tennis Team, owner of MJ’s Tennis Shop at The Midlander, a buyer at Ski Skeller Sports, office manager, a volunteer counselor at Teen Challenge and many more activities.

She married Richard William Greth, Sr. on July 6th, 1973, in San Antonio, TX. His persistence to achieve a first date was the start of a long and loving relationship. They moved to Midland in 1976 where they raised their children and watched two grandkids grow up. They were married 51 years. Mary was blessed to have a total of seven grandchildren, all of whom she truly adored and they truly adored her in return. She was a hands-on grandmother, best described as spending her time on the floor with grandkids rather than at the table with the adults.

Her ability to light up a room was never lost. Her love and enthusiasm permeated in her presence or absence. Her beautiful blue eyes made many friends. She made amazing cookies that often accompanied her arrival and increased her popularity. She was a lover of family, life, baking, sports, children, learning, games, puzzles, journaling, giving, teaching, music, adventures-and most of all, her relationship with the Lord. She was a prayer warrior for many, known for sending out morning scripture to friends and family. She initiated many family traditions that included a birthday cake for Jesus, Christmas scripture readings from the grandchildren and family gag gifts to name a few.

The absence she leaves is large, but her loving legacy will stay with all of those who knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband, Richard Greth, sons, Jeff Young (his wife, Dianne), Richie Greth (his wife, Lyndal), daughter, Leisa Greth (her husband, Ray) and seven grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel Pete and Agnes Ballard Cavender and sister Chloe Thomas.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 3rd at Cathedral of Praise, 3006 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville, IN 47720 with Pastors Carl Mann II and Bret Myers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.