Submitted by Robert L. Haddock

 

 

 

 

Marlin Democrat

Marlin, Falls Co., Texas

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

 

Mary Bussell

 

     Mary Sloan Latimer Bussell, 81, of Marlin passed away Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, in Marlin. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Jimmie Johnson officiating. Internment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery.

 

     Mary was born in Grand Saline, Texas, May 7, 1922. She grew up on a farm during the depression, but by the age of nine she had tragically lost both of her parents. She and her two younger brothers, Frank and Bill, were raised in a warm and loving extended family by her grandmother, aunts, and uncles. She was known to many family members as “Pete”, after a humorous childhood tale that she would tell often as she shared such loving memories of her parents and childhood. After graduating from Forest Avenue High School in Dallas, Mary was wed to Dr. Billy Eugene Latimer on Dec. 23, 1944. The Latimers moved to Marlin in 1953 where her husband was a dentist and journalist. They raised two sons, Michael and David. Mary was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and involved in many civic functions including cub scouts. She worked at the VA hospital in Marlin for 20 years, retiring in 1983. After her husband’s death in 1978, she continued to work and remain active in church and civic activities, playing and teaching bridge, spending time with her sons and their families, and traveling with friends. She was unsparing in her love for her cherished grandchildren. In 1997, she married Dr. James Bussell of Marlin and enjoyed family get-togethers with her new extended family. She and Dr. Bussell traveled and spent several treasured years together before she became ill. Despite the losses and hardships of her early years, Mary was a tower of strength and courage, always optimistic, always able to see the best in any situation or person. She was an amazingly giving and generous woman who cared deeply for her family and friends. She was the kindest , sweetest and most gentle of souls, able to lift people’s spirits with her sense of humor. She gave all of her time, love, and energy to her sons and their families, putting her children and grandchildren’s needs always above her own. Mary was the kind of rare person that would never say an unkind word about anyone.

 

     Mary is survived by her sons, Michael and wife, Lory of Riesel, and David and wife, Deborah of Austin; husband, Dr. James Bussell and his family; and younger brothers, Bill and Frank Sloan and their families. She leaves behind four wonderful grandchildren, Lindsay, Timothy, Cason, and Weigin; a cousin who was like a sister to her, Geneva Veal; a niece; four nephews; and many dear friends.

 

     Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 411 Oaks St., Marlin, TX  76661