Mary Jane Barrow Blakley went home to the Lord on Monday, July 24, 2023. Mary was born and spent most of her youth and young adult life in Hico, Texas. James Milton Blak­ ley and Mary Jane were married in 1947. After the war, Jim and Mary moved to Austin TX where Jim resumed his education. Mary began her career in 1958 as the Hockley County Librarian in Levelland, TX. In 1962, after completing college and receiving her teaching certification, she taught in the Rhineland, Munday, Van Vleck, and Plano school districts before retiring in 1983. After retirement and returning to her hometown of Hico, she and Jim were busy with the Lodge and Eastern Star; she was active in the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR), and she enjoyed traveling to various counties, states, and even countries to research her and Jim's ancestry. Mary was christened in May 1928 at the Hico United Methodist Church where she was a life­ long member. She was very active in the church and diligently worked to get a 100-year marker for the church as well as getting it designated a historical site.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Lucy Barrow; an infant brother, Grady Martel Barrow, Jr.; and her husband, James M. Blakley. Also preceding her in death were one son-in-law, Frank Hender­ son; one daughter-in-law, Connie Cummings Blakley; and one great-grandson, Alexander Blakley. She is survived by five children and spouses: Jimmy Blakley; Nancy Henderson; Grady and Tricia Blakley; Mark and Cindy Blakley; and David and Kendra Blakley. Also surviving Mary are grandchildren Katherine Mi­ chelle Arceneaux and husband Brian; Rebecca Bonaventura and husband Rick; Scott Henderson and wife Dee; Michael Blakley; Lori Stinebaugh and husband Jimmy; Tiffany Benedix and husband Brian; Sara Cosser and husband Ryan; Jesse Blakley and wife Marissa; John David Blakley and wife Stephanie; Joshua Blakley and wife Ashlee; Caleb Blakley and wife Michelle; Jacob Blakley and wife Elizabeth; and Benjamin Blakley and wife Morgan. Mary also has thirty-five great and six great-great grandchildren (and count­ ing) who all love and adore her.

Mary's legacy will live on through the many lives she has touched over the years. During her ninetyjive years on this earth, Mary has been blessed and loved. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be at the Harvest Hills Funeral Home in Hico on Friday, July 28 from 6-8 pm. Services will be at the Hico United Methodist Church, Hico TX at 10:00 am on Saturday July 29th• Graveside willfollow at the Hico Cemetery. Following graveside a Life Celebration will be held in the Family Life Center of the First United Methodist Church.