Mary Lee Bissell Johnson, 89, of Beaumont, Texas died January 6, 2008 at home.
Born in Beaumont, Texas on May 26, 1918, she was the daughter of Edward Wilkins Gildart and Mary Johns Gildart. Mary Lee graduated from The Hockaday School in Dallas and Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
Mary Lee returned to Beaumont after college and was married to John T. “Jack” Bissell in 1941. She and Jack, with their three children, except for six years in Houston, lived in Beaumont. Mary Lee was a devoted and loving mother, interested in and supportive of her children’s activities, especially in school athletics and church. She was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, active for many years in the Altar Guild. She was a member of the Junior League, volunteering with the early League Follies, the Spindletop Horse Show and assistance to indigent polio victims.
After Jack’s death in 1966, Mary Lee worked for the Texas Employment Commission bringing great skill, enjoyment and enthusiasm to this new part of her life. She continued her avid pursuit of bridge, reading and staying in touch with new and old friends, and never lost her lifelong love of music.
In 1980, Mary Lee married James A. “Jimmy” Johnson, whom she had known since childhood. She retired from the TEC, and Mary Lee and Jimmy continued their life together in Beaumont until his death in 2003.
She was also predeceased by her brother, Edward W. Gildart, Jr.
Mary Lee’s strength, courage, strong faith and great love have been inspirational.
She is survived by her son, John Gildart Bissell and his wife, Sharon of Houston; her son, David Hugh Bissell and his wife Kathy of Beaumont; her daughter, Mary Bissell Clark and her husband Chuck of Beaumont; four granddaughters, Katherine Bissell Brady, Elizabeth Bissell Barton, Cadien Johns Clark, Lee Bissell Clark; and four great grandchildren.
Her children extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Mark Toups and his staff and to caregivers, Jackie Schneider, Regina Francis, Theresa Lotts and Minola Gray for the care and many kindnesses shown to their mother.
Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Clark residence.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702
