Mary Jo Brownlee | Bluebonnet News

Mary Jo Brownlee was born in WD and Gertie Festervand on July 26, 1935. They started family life together. They lived on a dirt road in Boyter Lane outside Vivian, Louisiana. Mary Jo grew up in what she described as an idyllic hard life. She and her favorite cousin, JC Floyd, play on the ranch, with ranch, creek, pine forest and red dirt road. They spent many days walking barefoot through the woods, stepping on their feet in the home of their beloved Ma Mary Susan Floyd, and they spoiled them with "snuff" made of cocoa and sugar. 

Mary Jo graduated from Vivian High School and continued her studies at Elliott Business College in Shreveport, learning shorthand and secretarial skills. At that time, she was introduced to a handsome, dark-haired young man in Jefferson, Texas. In November 1953, she married the young man, and soon after, Mary Jo and Gene Brownlee set up a family in Vivian. With the growth of the family and economic changes, the Brownlees packed up their six children and followed the development of the oil industry to Texas. They moved to Irvine, Texas, close to Mary Joe's uncles and aunts, and uncles Khaki and Jack Festfan. In the early days of the family, countless excursions to Galveston Island, Houston Zoo and Mohawk Camp, camping trips and church picnics were full of fun. During the Christmas holidays and the long summer days, many trips have returned to Vivian. The six boys like to create their own special memories in the pine forest on the red dirt road and connect with themselves. The beloved grandmother Gertie stands with Festervand.

When their children started school, the opportunity to find a better job in a small town brought Brownlee to Liberty Village, where they continued to raise six children in a Christian family, becoming strong, smart, and hardworking... . Character traits obtained from parents. Gene worked long hours to support her family, and Mary Jo worked tirelessly as a caregiver, teacher, faith and guidance consultant, and referee. She taught her six children to think before you take action, to treat others like them, to be responsible for them, to be responsible for their actions, to always do the right thing, do housework...always do housework ! 

Many of their life experiences have been honed during their many family camping trips, which is a feat for a family of eight. Earlier that day, customers at the local Minimax grocery store might recall that Mrs. Brownlee was dragging a trailer with three daughters, each of whom was pushing a shopping cart, because she was loaded with supplies and went on a week-long camping trip. Went to such "distant" places. Lake Ouachita, Lake Texarkana and Red Arrow Camp. Preparation has always been hard work for her, but she enjoys watching her family swim, fish, play and enjoy the outdoor peace and nature that she loves so much. Mary Jo is also an avid reader, a fan of all kinds of music and a fan of movies. From hiding the latest Reader's Digest from each other to restless in the living room, then walking two steps down the corridor, and then curling up on the sofa to watch horror movies, she taught them a lot. These qualities were instilled in all her six children. She is very proud of them becoming adults and raising children.

The word "proud" didn't even begin to describe how she felt for her grandson. These traditions continue to exist. MawMaw and PaPa created memories that will last a lifetime. Floating boats, bonfires and marshmallows under the campsite’s elm trees in summer. She designed and built PaPa's bunk bed with 10 bunk beds, which can accommodate all these children! Whenever possible, MawMaw Brownlee will participate in various baptisms, dance and spinning recitals, softball games, baseball games, football games, theater performances, choir and band concerts, Christmas pageants, beauty pageants, high school graduation, college graduation, weddings And baby baptism. She called each grandson on her birthday, usually with the original birthday song. Flower maw will always be their best cheerleader.

Of course, having six children means having their friends too, and she treats them all as family. Mrs. Brownlee played "mothers" for Malcolm and Kay, Robert and Todd, Wesley, Becky and Benjay girls, and so on. They all learned to tow the rope and were treated as their own standards. Even her own friends are considered family. Mary Jo shared the wonderful time and interesting travel with her best friend Shirley, and laughed a lot with her friend Mary Ann. Norma was Treat as another child. Mary Jo is certainly a force that cannot be ignored. She loves all of us. Those who love her get better because they know her.

On Sunday, January 24, 2021, after five days of fog and the first ray of sunshine after rain, Mary Jo Brownlee left this world and returned to her home in heaven. There she was with those who walked in front of her, her parents and her dear brother Samuel Festfan. Her siblings Carol Rogers (Carol Rogers), Roger (and Linda) Festervand and Frances Collins survived. In order to cherish her memory forever, Mary Jo was survived by her 67-year-old husband, Gene Brownlee (Gene Brownlee) and their six children: Dennis Brownlee of St. Leon ; Donna (and Ernie) Haynes of Buena; Dwight (and Deanna) Brownlee of Harding; David (and Rita) Brownlee of Rincon, Georgia; Danita (and Martin) Free Messi ; Free with Delores (and Brent) Huggins. These six children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren brought her great blessings. 

In order to fulfill her final wish, she will organize a life celebration for Mary Joe Festefan Brownlee in February for all her family and friends. Later, her ashes will be scattered in "where it all started"... in Boyt Lane. 

A commemorative donation of 77575 at the Grace Initiative Meal in South Liberty County, Liberty County PO Box 10397, Liberty County, Texas. 

She has always been very kind, and I remember when she worked at the Houston Petroleum and Minerals Company. Dad and I thought Mr. Birdwell had put a crocodile skin under the table to scare her. In the year I won the 4H Golden Star Award, she helped me type my records. Pray for the family.

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