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Mary Frances Watson McRae June 22, 1931 – June 22, 2025 Mary Frances Watson McRae passed away peacefully on her 94th birthday, June 22, 2025, in Spicewood, Texas, surrounded by the love of family. Born in Lakeland, Florida on June 22, 1931, she was the beloved daughter of Phillip Lee Watson and Nettie Katharine Mishoe Watson and was raised in Ocala, Florida. Mary graduated from Ocala High School in 1950 and, with a spirit of service and adventure, enlisted in the United States Air Force that same year. After completing basic training in San Antonio, Texas, she trained as a dental hygienist at a base in Great Lakes, IL. It was at the Officers Club that fate intervened — a chance meeting with Albert B. McRae, Jr., whose chair was back-to-back with hers, led to a dance and a lifelong love. They were married in 1953 at Beacon Hill Baptist Church in San Antonio. Together, Mary and Albert built a life of devotion, service, and family. As Albert continued his career as a USAF pilot, their journey took them across the country, bringing two children into the world during those early years. After Albert’s graduation from The University of Texas, the family settled in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where two more children were born. In 1968, they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, and later retired to Pecan Plantation in Granbury, TX. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She took joy in being a room mother, organizing school activities and class parties, and serving as a Bluebird and Camp Fire Girl leader. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She served faithfully for over 40 years as a volunteer at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi and later at Acton Methodist Church in Acton, Texas. She and Albert also dedicated many years of their retirement to mission work, playing key leadership roles in supporting and managing Casa la Familia Orphanage in Ciudad Serdán, Puebla, Mexico — a ministry close to their hearts. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Albert McRae; her parents, Phillip and Nettie Watson; her infant son, Steven Allen McRae; and her sister, Barbara Ann Watson Bickley. She is survived by her loving children: Linda Simpson (David), Chris McRae (Angela), and Lane McRae (Renee); her cherished grandchildren: Shane Simpson (Jill), Wesley Simpson (Colleen), Allison Samford (Clay), Houston McRae (Emily), Weston McRae, Tyler McRae (Angelique), and Parker McRae (Ivanna); and her treasured great-grandchildren: Mary, Max, Charlie, Lyla, Savannah, Evelyn, Ayla, and Holder. Mary lived a life of kindness, faith, and generosity — a life well lived and deeply loved. Her family celebrates her legacy and the grace with which she touched so many lives. The family wishes to thank Mary's caregivers, Ashley Arzt, Alicia Davis, Crystal Bench and Cheryl Childers for their love and kindness. A memorial service will be held on July 19, 2025, 11:00 am, at Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the mission ministry of Acton Methodist Church.

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Mary McRae

June 22, 1931 - June 22, 2025