Mary Johnston Read

A memorial celebration of the remarkable life of Mary Johnston Read, 85, of Lufkin, will be held Sunday, July 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bob Klund officiating. Private graveside services will be in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park with Pastor Alex Montilla officiating. Born on February 24, 1929 in Lufkin, Texas, Mary entered life eternal on July 12, 2014 in the place of her birth, spending her last days surrounded by those she cherished. She was the second daughter of early Lufkinites Hampton and Jessie Johnston. Mrs. Read lived a life of service to others, and her relationship to Christ as her personal savior was the single most important aspect of her identity. Her great delight was to share the truth of God’s Word with everyone she encountered, and she did so every day. Many people benefited from Bible studies she taught both in her home and at Believers Bible Church, where she was a founding member. She was also an accomplished artist, having attained a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University and earning the distinction of heading the Art Department at Angelina College from its inception until she retired in the late 1990’s. Her greatest pleasure was her family; and she loved her children and grandchildren and their spouses enthusiastically, including her beloved great grandchildren. She was lovingly called “Mur,” a fitting name given to her by her first grandchild and adopted by each one thereafter. The Bible identifies myrrh as a precious substance and greatly treasured, an apt description of the honor and affection afforded her. Mary is survived by her children and their spouses, Royce, Jr., and Rebecca Read of Livingston, Nancy and Steve Hicks of Lufkin, and Jane and Mark Reily of Dallas; her grandchildren and their spouses, David and Bonny Hicks, Mark and Callie Hicks, Sarah and Josh Allen, Read Reily, Royce E. Read III. and Amber Read, Thomas Reily, John Mark Reily, Russell and Jessica Read, Anna Reily, and Will Hicks and fiancée Emily Auld; great grandchildren, Ben Hicks, John Hicks, Luke Hicks, Caroline Hicks, Macy Hicks, Aniston Hicks, Addy Allen, Peyton Allen, Elizabeth Mary Allen, Royce Read IV., and Raeliegh Read; sister, Wydette Barrett of Lufkin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Hampton and Virginia Johnston of Hunt, Texas, and Roy and Carolyn Johnston of San Antonio; special friends, Pat and Johnny Futch of Lufkin; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives; along with friends from every walk of life. Honorary pallbearers will be Mrs. Read’s grandsons. Memorial contributions may be made to Believers Bible Church, 408 South Medford Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75901; or to a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors