The Life of Mary Nell Hale
Mary Nell Hale was born M. Mary Lewis on May 27, 1917 to Dora Victoria (Smith ) and John Wesley Lewis, Sr. in Dequincy, Louisiana. Her family moved to southeast Texas in the 1920s where she lived most of her life in Zavalla, Loeb, Warren and Silsbee. She was the oldest child of nine children including J.B., John Wesley, Jr., Andrew Calvin (A.C.), Anna Lou, Milton, Archie, Lois and Alene. In the 1930s Mary Nell married Earnest John Hale. Although they were never able to have children, Aunt Mary Nell was like a mother to her siblings. She once said that she probably changed more diapers than any of her sisters and nieces and nephews. Mary Nell was a vital part in the upbringing of her siblings as well as the many nieces and nephews that followed. For many years she worked at the Lubys in Beaumont as the well-dressed and friendly checker at the end of the serving line. Mary Nell did so well in that job that she was offered a position at Beaumont State Bank. She held that position for several years until she retired. Uncle Earnest and Aunt Mary Nell lived for many years in Loeb. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Loeb. In the 1970s upon retirement they built a home in Warren near Uncle Earnest’s brother. Mary Nell was active at Bethel Baptist Church there. In 1987 they celebrated 50 years of marriage. That same year Uncle Earnest passed away. Aunt Mary Nell eventually moved to Silsbee to live closer to her extended family. She was able to remain independent for many years. In early 2006 Mary Nell moved to Silsbee Oaks where she lived for about 14 months. On Monday, March 26 in the early morning hours she went to be with the Lord. Mary Nell will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Preceded in death by Earnest Hale; parents John and Donna Lewis; siblings J.B. Lewis, J. W. Lewis, A.C. Lewis, Milton Lewis, Andrew Lewis, Anna Lou Lewis James.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee with interment to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 pm to 9 pm at the funeral home.