Mary Rodgers Lunsford

Funeral services for Mary Bessie Rodgers Lunsford, age 92, of Rusk are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 28, 2011 in First United Methodist Church in Rusk with Rev. Everett McCollum and Rev. Charles Lightle officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mrs. Lunsford died October 25, 2011 in a Jacksonville Assisted Living Facility. She was born April 8, 1919 in Alto, TX to the late Jack and Albina McGuire Rodgers. Mrs. Lunsford was a resident of Rusk for 70 years. She graduated from Alto High School in 1936 later attending Stephen F. Austin State University receiving her degree in education. On April 27, 1938 she married her loving husband of 63 years, Frederic W. Lunsford of Rusk, where they lived until his death in 2001. She taught elementary education for 35 years in the Rusk Independent School District to numerous students, some with whom she still keeps in close contact with. Mrs. Lunsford was also a long time member of First United Methodist Church in Rusk, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Eastern Star, Thailan Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Beta Sigma Phi and The Retired Teachers Association. Numerous hobbies Bessie enjoyed were traveling where she visited all 50 states, some more times than others, painting and her determination to fine detail which included the emblem design for the Texas State Railroad; acting along with creating backgrounds for numerous plays at the local town theater in Rusk; golf and most of all spending time with her numerous friends. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Jack Rodgers, sister, Doris Rudloff. Survivors include a son, Frederic W. Lunsford of Beaumont, TX, grandson, John F. Lunsford and wife Nellie of Anahuac, TX, granddaughter, Laura Kunz and husband Joel of Baytown, TX, granddaughters, Kelly and Kasey Lunsford of Clear Lake, TX, great grandchildren, Monica, Johnny, Melani and Lauren, sister-in-law, Bernice Roach of Rusk, cousin, Zelwanda Hendrick of Rusk, along with nephews and nieces. Pallbearers will include Don Jones, Joe Weaver, Charles Horton, Jan Pate, and Larry Sinclair. Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Miller, Kelly Garner and John Hunter. Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011 at the funeral home. If desired, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 99, Rusk, TX 75785.

Mary Rodgers Lunsford

April 8, 1919 - October 25, 2011