Mamie Lois Nelson Quimby of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2011, following a prolonged battle with lung cancer.  Born September 11, 1932 in May, Texas to Ira T. ‘Tene’ and Thelma Theo Witt Nelson, Mamie Lois grew up in May and was a graduate of May High School.  In 1950 she married D. M. ‘Sonny’ Quimby and they made their first home in Abilene; later they lived in numerous states and international locations including Tripoli, Libya; Great Yarmouth and London, England, Lafayette, Louisiana and returned to Abilene in 1978.

Mamie Lois is survived by her husband, Sonny Quimby, sons Larry Quimby and wife Annette of The Woodlands, Texas and Jim Quimby of Jonestown, Texas and  daughter Marcel (‘Marci’) Quimby of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren Stephanie, Scott and David Quimby of The Woodlands, Texas; brother John Wayne Nelson and wife Carol of May, Texas; sister-in-law Willodean Quimby Culpepper of Round Rock, Texas, brother-in-law James Terrell and wife Jeanie, of Tennessee Colony, Texas, and sister-in-law Gail Crain of Baytown, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mamie Lois was a positive force in the lives of her family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her – she was always fun, enjoyed life and loved to see people smile. Her passions in life were her immediate and extended family whom she loved dearly, and also time spent at their farm with family and friends. She was blessed with life-long friends from May, Abilene, Tripoli, Great Yarmouth, London and Lafayette that she remained in close contact with throughout her life.  She also enjoyed travel, playing bridge and other games with friends and family throughout the years.

She was a member of Abilene Oil Wives, an active volunteer in the Abilene community and member of First Baptist Church in May, Texas. Above all, she was a mother and wife extraordinaire and a devoted friend.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful people at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, and Hendricks Hospital Oncology and Hospice departments in Abilene for their incredible care and support.

Services for Mrs. Quimby will be held at 2 PM on Friday March 11, in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Pate officiating. Interment will follow in May Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home of Early. Visitation will be held at 1 PM on Friday, preceding the service.

Donations, if desired, can be made to the American Cancer Society or International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Friends and family members are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.