Mary Lily Cartwright

Mary Lily Cartwright, age 84, of San Augustine, Texas, (former resident of Sweetwater, Texas) passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Memorial Health System of East Texas in Lufkin, Texas.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, January 30, 2012 at Garden of Memories with Rev. Brian Brownlow officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Mary was born August 2, 1927 in Santa Anna, Texas to O.C. and Ninnon A. (Jones) Cartwright. She was an expert at short hand and an executive secretary for Shell Oil Company for many years before retiring. She had a gift for working with children and touched the lives of many children. She was a talented artist and taught a love of drawing to her great niece Tarah. She was a devoted caretaker to her mother, Ninnon. She lived in San Augustine at the time of her death and was a loved member of the Twin Lakes Care Center Community. She was a bright woman who loved learning and had an active mind. She loved nature especially flowers and birds. She was a talented cook, and an excellent seamtress. She loved her family and was an inspiration to many. She was the definition of a "Steel Magnolia" who overcame many obstacles and rose to the occasion when needed by family and friends. She was servant hearted and was a living testimony to Christ's Love. She was a former member of Highland Heights United Methodist Church in Sweetwater.

She is survived by her niece, Scarlett Cartwright of Belton, Texas; nephew Jay Cartwright and wife Tricia of Sugarland, Texas; and great nieces and nephews, Tarah Troutman, Troy Troutman, Cody Cartwright, Kendall Cartwright, Brenda Cartwright and Tammy Cartwright.

She was preceded in death by her parents, O.C. and Ninnon Cartwright, brothers, Buck Cartwright and Neigh Cartwright, twin brother, James Robert Cartwright, sister Lucile Plum and nephew, Clinnon Cartwright.