Mary McGary

Mary Joanne Miller McGary, age 79, died in Corsicana, Texas on February 29, 2008, after a brief illness. Joanne was born May 25, 1928 in Salem, OH, the daughter of Charles Emory Miller (son of Charles Fredrich Miller and Mary Elizabeth Seip) and Vera Tucker Cassell Miller (daughter of Ezra J. Cassell and Lucy Myrtle Tucker). She grew up in East Palestine, OH with her brother Charles Richard (Dick) Miller, her father, and her mother (until Vera's death in 1931), and then later with her stepmother, Gladys I. Harris. Her brother, Dick, preceded Joanne in death May 12, 2005. Joanne graduated Salutatorian from East Palestine High School in 1946 where she received the Bausch & Lomb National Science Award. She attended Denison University, Granville, OH where she received a BS, with honors, in Chemistry in 1950. She then received a MS degree in Textile Chemistry in 1952 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Joanne married Lester Eugene McGary, Jr. (of Madison, WI) on March 8, 1952. While living in Madison, where Lester was working on his internship and residency, two sons were born, Lester and Richard. In 1956, she gave birth to their last son, John, in San Antonio, Texas after Lester had enlisted in the United States Air Force. Joanne and Lester finally settled in Corsicana, TX in 1957, where Joanne's husband began his medical practice. There, Joanne was busy raising her sons, taught at Navarro Junior College for a brief period of time, and later worked in her husband's office. She was a loving mother and wife, active in her children's scouting activities, education and community affairs. In her mid years, Joanne developed a passion for genealogy. She was active in the Navarro County Genealogical Society. In addition, she led her husband on numerous adventurous trips around the country: the Northeast, the Midwest and briefly the West (the Church of Latter Day Saints archives - Granite Mountain Records Vault - outside of Salt Lake City, Utah). She researched archives, visited with cousins and distant relatives, and explored cemeteries. The research she gathered ultimately filled 4 filing cabinets, a closet, and multiple scrapbooks. Additionally, she compiled a two volume genealogical index (one alphabetical, one chronological): Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Index to "Deaths in the Skippack region" 1793-1845 by H.B. Roach from Bulletin of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, volumes VIII through XI. Joanne's genealogy research is, and will be, treasured by her descendants for years to come. Joanne is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lester Eugene McGary, MD. of Corsicana, TX and her three sons (and their spouses): Lester Eugene McGary, III (and Donna Briggs McGary) of Charlotte, NC; Richard Emory McGary (and Elia Hernandez McGary) of Richardson, TX; and John Edward McGary, PhD (and Gladys Bel) of Houston, TX. Her five grandchildren, Nikki Katrina, Richard Emory Jr., Mathew Everett, Daniel Evan, and Laura Elizabeth, also survive her. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 22 at the First United Methodist Church, 320 North 15th St. in Corsicana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the church, or charity of your choice.

Mary McGary

May 25, 1928 - February 29, 2008