Mary Alice went peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 11, 2012.
Born to John Wilmar and Lois Johnson Howle on July 14, 1927 in Hodges, Texas, Mary Alice lived in several towns in the Abilene area. She graduated from Eula High School. After attending Hardin Simmons University for a year, she went to work as a product demonstrator for WTU. On September 9, 1951 at the University Baptist Church she wed the love of her life William Grady “Jack” Ferguson of Eula. They were blessed to have celebrated their 57th anniversary before his passing.
In 1965, while living in Pecos, she decided to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. So with three young children in tow she spent several summers attending class at Sul Ross University. After obtaining a B.S. in Education, she went on to earn her Masters. She taught for many years in Pecos and Early and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Early.
Mary Alice loved to travel and visited Europe twice. She and Jack took numerous cruises to various locations. Their favorite place to spend time was Paisano Baptist Encampment in Alpine.
Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers John Howle of Abilene and Bill Howle of Lubbock.
She is survived by her brother David Howle and wife Sherry of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; Her Children Mark Sterling Ferguson and wife Leanne of Luling, Texas, Joy Elice Ferguson of Bangs, Texas, Matthew Howle Ferguson and fiancée Loretta Mason of Early.
Mary Alice’s precious treasures on earth were her grandchildren: Thomas Derek Levisay and wife Jacklyn, Mark Wayne Ferguson, Alyson Nichole Levisay Evans and husband Wesley, Kristi Lenae Ferguson, Ashley Dynae Ferguson, Jenna Racquel Levisay Staton and husband Jake, Lucas Howle Ferguson and wife Katy, Melody Lynnette Ferguson Anderson and Kyle William Ferguson.
Her greatest blessings were her great grandchildren: Taylor Marie Anderson, William Grady Evans, Chelsea Elizabeth Levisay, Emerson Blue Evans and Riley Tate Staton.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at the Eula Cemetery in Eula, Texas with Rev. Eddie Ailshie officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. Monday at the Heartland Funeral Home in Early.
Friends are invited to sign the guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.