Mary Virginia Hemby, 85, of Lake Cherokee, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2014, in Flower Mound, Texas.

Born December 20, 1928, in Huntsville, Texas, to the late Virgil Thomas and Willie Lee Ellisor; Mary received her B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from Sam Houston State University. She taught 33 years at both the elementary and secondary levels within the New London School System (later becoming the West Rusk County Consolidated I.S.D). After retiring, she enjoyed pursuing her interests in traveling, gardening; and most especially, spending time with her family and beloved kitties, Davy and Bunny.

Mary was honored in the 1974 edition of Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America for her profound impressions on the students entrusted to her and the high standards of excellence she maintained in her classroom.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, T.G. "Buster" Hemby, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Terry McKenzie; son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Lisa Hemby; grandsons, Casey Childress and Holt Hemby; granddaughter, Savannah Hemby; and great-granddaughter, Jayde Childress.

A remarkable woman, whose generosity and love of family were unmatched, is how both her family and others whose lives she touched will remember Mary.

Visitation for friends and family will be held Sunday, November 2, 2014, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of the New London United Methodist Church in New London, Texas.

If desired, memorials may be made to the London Ex-Student Reunion Association, the Tatum Cemetery, or your local animal shelter.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.