Mary Ann Gathings

Mary Ann Gathings of Uvalde, TX went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 20, 2026, in Sonora, TX at the remarkable age of 94 — leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and very full dinner plates.

Mary was born on May 30, 1931, in Baltimore, MD to Mary Mare and Henricus Pott. She spent her childhood growing up in Rhode Island alongside her sisters, Helen and Anna Marie Scott. Those early years shaped the strong, spirited woman her family would come to know and love — equal parts grace and grit, with just the right touch of sass.

While living in California, she met her first husband, William Carl Grissom. The two were married on December 2, 1947, in Yuma, AZ, beginning a life of adventure that eventually led them to San Antonio, TX. There they began their greatest work — building a family.

Their first son, Randall Eugene Grissom, arrived on October 21, 1949, followed by Robert Carl Grissom on November 8, 1953, and finally their daughter, Cheryl Ann Grissom, on February 28, 1958 — completing the trio who would forever keep her on her toes.

The family later moved to Crystal City, TX, where Mary spent many years working for Sears & Roebuck as a phone sales operator. Long before online shopping and next-day delivery, Mary was making sure customers got exactly what they needed — likely with efficiency, kindness, and maybe a little gentle persuasion. Mary and William worked hard but when they had the chance, they would load up the kids to create some of their favorite memories camping under the stars and fishing.

After William’s passing in 1981, Mary’s heart found love again when she met Conrad Gathings. They married in the spring of 1982 and built a home together in Carrizo Springs. They shared seven happy years before Conrad’s passing in 1989. Through life’s joys and heartbreaks, Mary’s faith remained steady and her spirit unshaken.

Mary was the definition of devoted. She was a mother who showed up, a grandmother who spoiled shamelessly, and a great-grandmother who believed there was no such thing as “too many cookies.” Her kitchen was her kingdom, and no one — absolutely no one — left her home hungry. If you walked in as a guest, you left as family… and likely with leftovers.

Her spunky personality and quick wit could light up any room. She had a way of making people laugh at just the right moment and offering comfort without ever making it feel heavy. In 2012, she moved to Uvalde to be closer to family — a decision that meant more shared meals, more holidays, and more chances to love on her growing crew.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, William Grissom; her second husband, Conrad Gathings; and her son, Randall Grissom.

She is survived by her son Robert (Sherry) Grissom of Pleasanton, TX; her daughter Cheryl (Bobby) Cottle of Rocksprings, TX; her grandson Jeffrey (Marla) Grissom of Uvalde; her granddaughter Kayla (Rajeev) Sareen of Naperville, IL; her granddaughter Kelcey (Clayton) Vanderburg of San Angelo, TX; and her grandson Cade (Andrea) Cottle of Edmond, OK. Her great-grandchildren include Baylee Garcia (Caleb Garcia), Kylen and Callee Grissom, Laxmi Sareen, Slade and Quinn Vanderburg, and Cadence and Cree Cottle — each one a treasured source of pride and joy.

Services are under the direction of Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary in Uvalde. Viewing will be held on February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with services to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Carrizo Springs. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Mary’s name.

Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice knowing she is home — likely organizing a heavenly kitchen, making sure the coffee is hot, the table is full, and that everyone feels welcome. Her love will live on in every shared meal, every burst of laughter, and every family member who carries a little bit of Mary’s spunk forward.