Mary Sue James

Mary Sue James passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at her home in Brenham, Texas. She was born December 4, 1946 in Houston, Texas to Cleo and Edna Earle (Barnard) Bland. Mary Sue attended school in Houston, graduating with high honors from Westbury High School in 1965. She graduated second in her class from North Texas University in 1969 with a degree in Home Economics.

Mary Sue taught Home Economics in both California and Texas, finishing her career at Brenham Jr. High School in 1982. She worked in the Tour Department of Blue Bell Creameries from 1982-1986. Years later she enjoyed working at Stitch Haven because of her love of quilting and other needlework.

Mary Sue was a superior cook and gracious hostess who laughed easily, often, and had a gift for saying something positive to everyone that she came in contact with. She was always loyal to her friends, caring and kind. She could find the good in most people quicker than anyone else. She had a rare combination of beauty, intelligence, modesty, common sense, determination, and a sweet heart.

Mary Sue and Steve James were married July 4, 1976 at her parents’ house in the country near Rosenberg. They moved to Brenham soon after for Steve’s job at Blue Bell Creameries. She had many interests which included her homes, her beloved dogs, music, history, travel, reading, walking, the Astros, as well as friends and family. She was an excellent seamstress and was highly skilled in all forms of needlework. She also enjoyed exercising and was a regular participant in Lete Phillips’ Aerobics Class for nearly 20 years.

Through her research and writing, Mary Sue was instrumental in getting five Texas Historical markers in Washington County. She was a long-time member of the Washington County Historical Commission and she was the secretary for Oak Rest Cemetery Association. She was also a dedicated member of Brenham Presbyterian Church, Independence Historical Society where she served as president and the Heritage Society of Washington County where she was a board member.

Mary Sue will be dearly missed by her friends and family, including her husband of over 35 years, Steve, sister Kathy Bland of Rosenberg, brother and sister-in-law Clayton and Pam Bland of Richmond, and nephews Clay and wife Janice Bland, Hunter Bland, and her niece Laura and husband Steven Farnsworth and their children Morgan, Leslie and Owen.

Mary Sue leaves to mourn Steve’s family; sister and brother-in-law Carla and Bill Bolton, and brothers Bob James and Bill Keeton.

Mary Sue will also be missed by her beloved dogs, Jaimie, Rocky and Belle.

The family is thankful to all the wonderful friends who helped Mary Sue and Steve during her illness. They want to recognize the extraordinary care given by Debra Mann, Dollene Steptoe, Hospice Brazos Valley and the Outpatient Surgery nurses at Scott and White Hospital Brenham.

Pallbearers are Larry Ainsworth, Charles “Butch” Bugaj, Roger Chambers, Don Holtkamp, Richard Lamensky and Joe Mehlhop.

Services for Mary Sue will include visitation on Sunday, February 12th from 4-6 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel, burial at Oak Rest Cemetery on Monday, February 13th at 10 a.m. and a memorial service at Brenham Presbyterian Church on Monday, February 13th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. W. Brent Hampton officiating and with fellowship to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Brenham Presbyterian Church (1005 Green Street, Brenham 77833), Heritage Society of Washington County (P.O. Box 1123, Brenham 77834), or Animal Friends of Washington County (on line at www.animalfriendstexas.org).

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-3611 Condolences may be sent online to www.brenhammemorialchapel.com