A memorial service for Mary Edwards Cadenhead, age 79, of Brownwood, will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 24, 2010 in the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Looby and Dr. Don Scroggs officiating. A private family burial will follow.
Mary passed away Thursday, August 19, 2010 at her home.
A native of Austin, Mary was the daughter of George G. and Iola Austin Edwards. She graduated from Austin High School in 1948. She was an honor graduate of the University of Texas at Austin in 1952 with a degree in English and a minor in Art. She later earned an MFA in English from Howard Payne University. She married Ernest F. Cadenhead Jr. on July 27, 1952. After they both graduated and Ernest had concluded his service in the United States Air Force, they settled in Brownwood, but moved to Waco in 1964, while Ernest attended law school. Mary began her teaching career at Waco University High School. They returned to Brownwood in 1967 where Mary taught English at Brownwood High School for 25 years. She then taught at Howard Payne University until her retirement. Mary was a dedicated teacher and always enjoyed reminiscing with former students.
In the early 1970s she began taking painting courses under Charles and Maurine Stewart at Howard Payne University. She was a longtime member of the Brownwood Art Association and People Painters. She attended art seminars around the country with numerous noted artists. She was perhaps best known for her pastel portraits. She consistently entered her work in local art shows as well as throughout Texas. She received numerous awards for her artwork and was the Brownwood Art Association’s Artist of the Year in 2004. She particularly enjoyed her work with the Stars of Texas in Brownwood and was especially proud of her success in the Irving Art Association’s annual show. She encouraged other artists and held herself to high professional standards.
Mary travelled extensively with a group of childhood friends and fellow artists. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, a long-time volunteer at Good Samaritan Ministries, and with Ernest at Meals on Wheels.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, George and Don Edwards, and her beloved daughter, Mary Ann Cadenhead.
Mary is survived by her husband, Judge Ernest Cadenhead, her two sons, Ernest and Pete Cadenhead, a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Dr. Chris Stephens, her granddaughter, Kate Stephens; her sister-in-law, Kay Edwards; her cousin Nancy Marwill; her niece, Margaret McDonald; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Ben and Sondra Cadenhead and Dr. John and Ginger Cadenhead and their families; many friends and former students.
The family requests memorials be made to the Brownwood Art Association, P.O. Box 782, Brownwood, TX 76804 or to Good Samaritan Ministries, 305 Clark St, Brownwood, Texas 76801.
Condolences can be offered to family at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com