Obituary: Mary Isabelle Eoff Dunnington

Mary Isabelle Eoff Dunnington passed away on April 4, 2018 in Athens, TX surrounded by loved ones. She was born on September 14, 1931 to “Dee” Randolph Eoff and Berniece Boyd Eoff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, David and her husband June W. Dunnington.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Tracy and Jannell Dunnington of Athens TX, Sister Florence Ann Felton of Zachery LA; a dear cousin, Liz Hutchins of Little Rock AR; numerous nieces and nephews and many extended family members and loved ones. Mary is also survived by her faithful caregiver for the past 6 years, B.J. Medellin; dear friend Kathy Brashers and her sweet “grand” Ashrielle Jubilee who Mary looked forward to spending every Sunday with.

Mary was born in Fayetteville AR and lived with her family all over Arkansas and Northeast Texas. She graduated from North Heights High School in Texarkana AR and attended Southern Arkansas University. Mary was an avid athlete who, along with her sister Florence Ann played basketball in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) winning multiple State Championships.

Mary married June Dunnington in 1953 and they made their home in Texarkana Texas until Tracy, their pride and joy, was born. The family of three then moved and lived outside of Maud Texas. Mary lived there until June’s 2006 death, and then she moved to Athens Texas to be close to her son and daughter-in-law. Mary retired from Southwestern Transportation Company and from the US Department of Defense, Red River Army Depot.
Mary enjoyed growing irises, crafting and sewing and was in a Riding Club for many years. She volunteered her time at her church, Lake Athens Baptist sewing for missions and “Pretty Nails” at South Place Nursing Home.

Mary will always be remembered by her sweet smile, but also by her stories; ESPECIALLY of the time that she killed a BEAR!

Memorial services will be held at Lake Athens Baptist Church on Saturday, April 14th at 2 p.m. and interment (on a later date) will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Texarkana Texas.

Tracy and Jannell (and B.J.) are grateful to the family and friends and church members that have been on this journey with them, including Genesis Hospice Care and request that memorial donations be made to the music program at Lake Athens Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Coalition of Henderson County (P.O. Box 621, Athens TX 75751). As a special tribute to Mary, the family encourages you to spend time with your loved ones, maybe at a favorite restaurant (Mary’s was Ochoa’s).

Arrangements by Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home of Athens.