Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Whittlesey of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Monday, January 6, 2020, in San Augustine at the age of 79 years, 1 month, 23 days.

 

Mrs. Whittlesey was born November 14, 1940, in Port Arthur, Texas, to parents Howell Bickham and Maxine Sharpton Bickham and had lived in San Augustine most of her life and was a member of First Baptist Church. Mary was a dedicated teacher with 56 years of service, the last 52 years at San Augustine Independent School District, where she was still a member of the faculty at the time of her passing. She adored her students and through these years as a teacher, she made many close ties to the student body and friends. Mrs. Whittlesey had received numerous awards and accolades during her career, including VFW Teacher of the Year and the Buddy Lowe Award.

Her survivors include her husband, Henry Whittlesey of San Augustine, Texas; daughter, Leslie Nichols and husband Terry of Nacogdoches, Texas; son, Joe Whittlesey and wife Jennifer of Center, Texas; grandchildren, Aaron Nichols and wife Megan of Nacogdoches, Texas, Carsen McFarland and husband Wil of Spring, Texas, Dylan Whittlesey of Center, Texas, Andrew Nichols of Nacogdoches, Texas, Lexie Nichols of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Mary-Grace Whittlesey of Center, Texas; a sister, Charlotte Davis and husband Mike of Hideaway, Texas; a cousin, Rebecca Cowart of Jacksonville, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kim Whittlesey; her parents, Howell and Maxine Bickham; and brothers, Hal Bickham, Travis Bickham, and Robert Bickham.

 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2020, from the hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2020, at San Augustine High School Gym, located at 702 N. Clark Street in San Augustine, Texas, with Bro. Jim Moss officiating. Committal service and interment will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, located on Texas Hwy. 147 North.

 

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.