Dates
“Mary” Zelma Henry ran into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, November 6, 2016 while in a local care facility at the age of 100. Mary was a beloved Daughter, Sister, Wife, Daughter in law, Mother, Mother in law, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, and dear Friend.
Her funeral service will be on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Harper Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Mary was born on July 27, 1916 in Midland, Texas to Ulysses S. Brown, Sr. and Lena Mae Hughes-Brown. Mary was the oldest of six children. She was a devoted daughter who helped her mom with all of her younger siblings, sacrificing her education to do so. Later in life, she studied and went on to get her GED.
She met and fell in love with Morris Albert Henry. At the young age of sixteen she left with him to Frederick, Oklahoma to be married on October 20, 1932. They were married for five years before starting a family together. Morris worked in the oilfield which enabled them to live in several places including Hideaway Park, CO, Craig, CO, Walters, OK, and on a Post Indian Reservation in Gallup, NM, finally settling in San Angelo, Texas to raise their four children.
While in Colorado, Mary began charcoal painting. She painted beautiful scenic views. She was so gifted in many ways. She maintained huge gardens, many plants and flowers. She always had a way with her pets, making them be on their best behavior. She left behind a sweet little Chihuahua named Buffy who she dearly loved.
Mary was a “no matter what” kind of mother. Widowed at 58, she worked hard and retired from the TB Sanitarium in Carlsbad, Texas where she worked in the laundry department and as a nurse’s aide. She held side jobs of babysitting and housekeeping to provide for her children, made her own patterns from newspapers to sew their clothing. Mary loved to cook and have the family over for huge family card games. The more the better she always said. She was known for her hospitality and strength.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, always taking them to the park, and having sleepovers. She absolutely loved the outdoors and she was thrilled to have lived to be 100 years of age. She always credited her good health to the good Lord and to Apple Cider Vinegar.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Fay Walter, grandson Billy Walter, great grandsons Nathan Walter and Scotty Henry, great great granddaughter Marissa Honea, siblings, Jim Brown, Ulysses S Brown (Jr), Chun Brown (Chubby), and Harold Brown.
Mary is survived by her daughter Betty Orsak and Raymond of San Angelo, daughter Sue Henry of Clyde, son Don Henry and Carol of Brownwood. Grandchildren James Orsak, Becky Hamlin and Steve, Tammy Gauwain and Terry, all of San Angelo, Allen Boehm, Penny Dunham and Todd of Clyde, Danny Henry and Robin of Amarillo, Melanie Osborn and Ron of Oklahoma, Don Aaron Henry of Brownwood. Great grandchildren Brandy Aldrich and Michael, Mandy Haygood and Bill, both of San Angelo, Brent Cowley and Jessica of Prosper, Hannah Walter, Kyli Rose and Zack of Temple, Kelton Gauwain and Julia of Fort Stockton, Carrie Gordon & Geoffrey of Lufkin, Amber Drennan and Daniel of Abilene, Lacy Orsak of Killeen, Dustin Dunham and Lindsey of San Antonio, Shelby Nichols and Jason of Odessa, George Ramsey, Jr. of Amarillo, Nicholas Glenn and Cassie of Shawnee, OK, John Osborn, Ron Osborn, both of Konowa, OK, Great Great grandchildren, Caleb and Cooper Aldrich, Madison Selman, Will, Landon, and Logan Cowley, Jax Rose, Atalie and Ryland Gauwain, Samuel and Sonny Garcia, Austin and Patrick Gordon, Kendrick and Sage Drennan, Carson Orsak, Darien Netters, Gavyn and Wyatt Dunham, Taylor Henry, Wyatt Nichols, Kaden and Aria Ramsey, & Lexi Glenn, and one sister, Willie Grace Bright of Sulphur Springs, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Senior Care for their love and care, and above all else we praise God for his mercy and kindness towards Granny Henry. Forever she will be loved and missed.