Mary Harris VanZandt of Beaumont died June 23, 2005 at Calder Woods Assisted Living. Born in Noble, Texas, she moved with her family to Commerce and later to Jacksonville where she graduated from high school and Lon Morris College. Mary was active in campus organizations and served as a cheerleader at both schools. She was one of nine children born to Finis L. and Etta Morris Harris.
Mary was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for many years, served on governing boards of the church and was active in women’s programs. For a number of years she headed the church’s committee, which served meals at Some Other Place. She also was active in garden club work and was a fifty-year member of Beta Sigma Phi.
Mary and Ed VanZandt were married August 11, 1939 in Jacksonville; they moved to Beaumont in 1945 and soon after Ed was discharged from the Navy after service in World War II.
Mary inherited love of family for being a part of a large family. She was a most loving and gifted person and passed that gift onto others. She was a devoted wife and enjoyed Ed’s activities in YMBL Keymen, and Lamar University.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband of sixty-five years, Edward VanZandt. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lynn Neil and her husband Dr. Lynn Neill of El Paso; her sisters, Kathryn Tyra of Midland and Margaret Estes of San Antonio; grandchildren, Blair Neill of Roanoke, Virginia and Bailey Neill of El Paso.
Funeral procession will depart from Broussard’s Mortuary, 1605 North Major Drive at 9:40 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. graveside service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, July 1, 2005 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 530 North Main, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
“Please do not give my age or date of birth to the paper. No one knows so I will just keep them guessing.” Mary.
