Mary Elizabeth (Graham) Dennard
Aug. 29, 1918-Jan. 5, 2021
HOUSTON Houston, Texas resident Mary Elizabeth (Graham) Dennard, age 102, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
Elizabeth was born August 29, 1918 in her family cabin located in the mountains of Arkansas, the daughter of Perry and Mary Elizabeth Bettie’ (Fuquah) Graham. She graduated from Pampa High School in 1935 and the University of Houston with a BS in Education in 1957 and a MEd in 1972. Elizabeth was a proud educator in Pasadena ISD and Houston ISD. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and spent her adult life active at Park Place Methodist Church and St. Stephens United Methodist Church.
Elizabeth and her late husband, Henry, were introduced on a blind date orchestrated by Henry’s brother, Dick. Mary Elizabeth Graham and Henry Kennedy Dennard were united in marriage on October 29, 1938 in Pampa, Texas. They were happily married for 67 years.
Elizabeth is survived by her loving and loyal daughter Betty Beck of Houston, Texas; daughter in law Beth Dennard of Seabrook, Texas; her grandson John Beck, his wife Kathy and their son Nicholas of Lufkin, Texas; her granddaughter Christine Murray, her husband Gregg and their children Jarrett, Shane, and Sarah of Dallas, Texas; her grandson Andrew Beck, his wife Sheri and their daughter Chloe of Houston, Texas; her granddaughter Claire Mangrum, her husband Jonathan and their children Eliza and Jet of Houston, Texas. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents Perry and Bettie Graham of Pampa, Texas; by her brother James Conrad Graham of Pampa, Texas; her son Michael Dennard of Houston, Texas; her son in law Beau Landry of Alexandria, Louisiana; and her grandson Patrick Dennard of Houston, Texas.
Elizabeth was known for having a quick wit, impeccable hair, a knack for pinching pennies, a world renown Texas Sheet Cake, an affection for her dog, Pookie, and for being an incredible teacher. She won Teacher of the Year while teaching 5th grade at Durham Elementary of Houston ISD. Elizabeth loved to travel seeing most of the contiguous United States on epic RV trips strategically mapped out by her husband Henry, his sister Miriam and her husband, Jim. She cherished memories from a cruise to Alaska and a once in a lifetime trip through Europe. She also loved camping with her young family. Elizabeth loved her friends and family dearly and will be sorely missed. She left an impression on anyone that was lucky enough to have made her acquaintance.
Due to current Covid restrictions, a small family gathering at Bethlehem Cemetery in Carthage, Texas is being planned at this time. Elizabeth will be laid to rest alongside Henry, her devoted husband of 67 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Crossroads at Park Place at: c/o Doug Fortner 7843 Park Place Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77087. Crossroads serves the homeless population in the Houston area and is a ministry of Park Place Methodist Church.
In Memoriam