Memorials › Mary Belle Minton

Mary Belle Minton

21 Aug 1921 – 2 Feb 2008

Birth	21 Aug 1921
Death	2 Feb 2008
Cemetery	Van Alstyne Cemetery Van Alstyne , Grayson County , Texas , USA
Added by	All My Ancestors on 21 Aug 2021
FaG	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24723531

Gravesite details

Same plot with her brother Carl Minton.

Bio

Mary Belle Minton was born on August 21, 1921 in Collin County, Texas as the 8th child of Lilly and John Minton. The family moved to Snyder, Texas in 1927. Her father died in 1929 when she was 8 years old and affected her very much. While driving in the funeral procession, she asked her mother why there were so many cars. She replied with, "your dad had a lot of friends". It's terrible that they lost their father so young. In 1930, their home in Snyder burned down along with all of Mary's photos as a baby and young child. After this, the family moved to Van Alstyne to be closer to their extended family. Growing up, she was very close to all of her family, but especially her sister Jackie. They would remain lifelong confidantes and become the best example of sisterhood I've ever seen. A funny story I've heard many times is about the time Jackie got angry with Mary and chased her around the house with a fire poker. Things didn't end well… and Mary received a lifelong burn on her leg. She regularly reminded Jackie of this. Mary was a bright child who made good grades in school. She graduated from Van Alstyne High School in 1939. She remained with her mother after graduating, and they eventually moved to Dallas, where she got a job at Luby's Cafeteria for a couple of years. She then got a job as a secretary. She also worked at numerous oil companies, then working as an office worker for UPS and FedEx. She never married, and became a very independent woman. Mary's family, friends, and faith were very important to her. She went to church almost every Sunday. Mary was close with all of her siblings, nieces, and nephews. However, she was very close to Jackie and her family. My grandmother remembers going shopping with her mom (Jackie), Aunt Margaret, Aunt Lucile, and Aunt Mary back in the 1950s. Mary also went on vacation with Jackie's family. Mary's brothers made sure she enjoyed her life, spoiling her with vacations around the USA and the world. She was a very well traveled woman. In 1978, Mary's mother, who she had been living with almost all of her life, suffered a stroke that paralyzed her and made her go mute. With much sorrow, Mary had to put her in a nursing home. She passed away on March 17, 1979 at the age of 91. A devastated Mary was now on her own, but with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends by her side. She moved to an apartment in Bedford to be closer to her sister Jackie. Mary was very particular and liked things a certain way, so one time she walked to Jackie's house just so she didn't lose her parking spot at her apartment complex. I thought this was hilarious. Mary enjoyed the next 2 decades of her life tremendously. In the early 2000s, Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. She slowly became disoriented and confused. She would see her reflection in the mirror and think it was another woman wearing her clothes and jewelry. Panicked, she would call my great grandmother (Jackie) and great grandfather to come check the apartment. They would have to tell her that it was just her reflection and that she was safe. This happened multiple times. One night, she was driving and a police officer pulled her over. She seemed disoriented so the police officer asked her if she knew where she was and she didn't. They called my great grandmother, who picked her up and took her to her house. The Minton family collectively decided that it was time to put Aunt Mary in a nursing home. Her last 2 or 3 years were at Hilltop Haven nursing home in Gunter. Many family members visited her there, including her favorite sister Jackie. Aunt Mary passed away in her sleep on February 2, 2008 at the age of 86. My great grandmother was absolutely devastated when she died, the whole Minton family was. This kind, loving, and independent woman is missed greatly. RIP Aunt Mary we love you. The following is paraphrased from the obituary that appeared on the local newspaper, Herald Democrat, Sherman, Texas on February 5, 2008 GUNTER — Mrs. Minton was born in Anna, Texas, the daughter of John James and Maude Lillian (Baker) Minton . She passed away at Hilltop Haven, Gunter, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Johnny, Carl , Clyde, George and Heavy Minton ; and one sister, Lucille Minton. Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memories, Mrs. Minton is survived by sisters, Jackie Walker and husband, Jack of Hurst, Texas and Margaret Duening and husband, Bill of North Carolina; brothers, Don Minton and wife, Betty of Mansfield, Texas and A.N. Smitty Minton and wife, Dorothy of Plano, Texas; sisters-in-law, Jewell Minton of Dallas, Texas and Jean Minton of Sherman, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Terry Don Minton, Mark Walker, Tim Walker, Terry Shane Minton, Mike Minton, Larry Minton, John David Minton and Robert Harris. Graveside services were held at the Van Alstyne Cemetery, with Carwith Gary Minton and Danny Minton officiating.

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