Mary Texas

Miss Mary Louise Webber, 69, of Laredo, Texas, entered into the kingdom of heaven on February 12, 2017 at her residence. She was born in Laredo, Texas to John “Henry” Jr. and Betty Swisher Webber on September 2, 1947.

Mary was a member of First United Methodist Church since birth. She learned the books of the Bible before seven and often "Played Sunday School" after church or in cold weather. She preached sermons, read scripture and sang songs, off key. She attended United Day School which was the Methodist owned elementary school at that time, where again you had to learn a bible verse each day in the first grade. She attended Sunday School classes here and on the court across the street when there was nothing but an old building. Mary fondly remembered the fun of Youth under the Adney's where she learned and played with great roller skating parties and dances in the old fellowship hall, but you had to learn Bible verses to participate. Betty taught her children to Love God and respect and love everyone, and to live by the Bible which was always available to read and enjoy.

Mary attended nursing school under Sister Geraldine King who impressed student nurses with the ideology that each patient you care for may be God returned to earth so treat them accordingly, and she never forgot that message. Also Sister gave the ten step concept to keep going: “God give me the patience to accept things I cannot change, strength to change what I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” Mary entered Nursing in 1966 as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and worked in the Emergency Room. She became a Registered Nurse in 1975 and continued working in ER until 1980, when she took over Patient Education. In 1988 she became Education Director at Mercy Hospital. Mary opened the first Home health program at Mercy Hospital and served as Administrator for the program for several years, then opened the first Skilled Nursing Unit for rehab and again served as administrator for the program, while she simultaneously served as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Nursing, Administrator for Home Health and Skilled Nursing Unit and worked with ER to improve the patient flow and service time setting up a priority system and Interim Head Nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care. Mary left Mercy in 1993, and worked at Columbia Hospital, two nursing homes and finally Childhood Intervention program before joining TMC (Texas Migrant Council) where she served as Director of Early Intervention and Prevention overseeing the holistic health of 7,975 children in eight states making sure they get Medical & Dental care, immunizations, hygiene and training in health in general. She retired from Texas Migrant Council February 20, 2009.

Then she devoted her energies toward service at her second home here at FUMC. She was Cahir of the Program Council, Director of Mother’s Day Out Program, Sunday School Superintendent and Christian Education Director. She also headed the Used Book Sale Team.Mary loved all people, but particularly children. She never met a child who didn’t respond to her immediately. They always remembered her name and looked for hear. She would say you don’t talk down to children, you have to talk to them as equals. She welcomed any opportunity to put on her apron and prepare a meal for the family, for children, or the church families.

Mary’s favorite sayings were: “I will pass this way but once so do the most I can now.”. “Live by Faith, not by sight.” “Ask and it shall be given” is why she wrote grants and expected full funding to be received. Her motto in life was “God blesses those who serve”, and that is how she lived.

She is predeceased by her parents; brother: John Henry Webber III; brother in law: Henry “Hank” Neumann.

Left behind to celebrate her life are her sisters: Sandra Sue Webber and Dorothy (Webber) Neumann; nephews and nieces: James H. (Gloria) Neumann, Robert M. (Michelle) Neumann, Betty A. Neumann, Charles E. (Sonia) Neumann, J. Keith (Melissa) Webber, Karen (Ricardo) Cruz, as well as by 8 great-nieces and great-nephews.

A special heartfelt thanks to her primary care physician, Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa for his care and attention to her medical needs.

The family received condolences from 6 to 8 in the evening of Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Joe Jackson Springfield Chapel, 1900 Springfield Ave. ; where a Prayer Service was held at 6 p.m., Pastor Paul Harris, officiated.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10 in the morning of Thursday, February 16, 2017 at First United Methodist Church 1220 McClelland Ave . All who will be attending are asked to meet at the church, there will be no procession at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at the family plot in the Laredo City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Charles Neumann, Robert Neumann, Betty Ann Neumann, Alexander James Neumann, Catherine Neumann, Bill Chavez, and Kenn Schmies.

You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Springfield Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1900 Springfield, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.