Mary Ann Williford

Funeral services for Mary Ann Williford, age 81 of Tyler, Texas, are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at ChristPoint Methodist Church in Lindale, Texas with Pastor Jason Teague officiating. Interment will follow at Lindale City Cemetery. Mary Ann passed away peacefully the morning of April 21, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love she had given so freely throughout her life. She was born February 28, 1945, in Schulenberg, Texas to the late August Henry and Marie Emma (Peterson) Weiss. Mary Ann never met a calculus problem she couldn’t work through, a family gathering she couldn’t fill with love and laughter, or a moment she couldn’t lift up in prayer. For 81 years, she put her heart into the things she cared about most: teaching, loving her family and friends, and walking faithfully with Jesus Christ. Whether she was helping students understand calculus, hosting family lunches with her taco salad, or quietly praying, Mary Ann lived a life full of love and dedication. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud daughter and sister, a caring aunt, a proud grandmother, and a joyful great-grandmother, a faithful friend, and a well-loved teacher. She carried each of those roles with a steady, simple love that showed in everything she did. While Mary Ann loved her career, family, friends, and church, her true love was Jesus Christ. Whether it was leading a Bible study group, faithfully praying for others, taking part in acts of service, or a simple phone call to say hello, Mary Ann represented Christ in all that she did. Her love was evident to all. She leaves behind her children, Jan Simmons and Jeff Williford, son-in-law Brady Simmons, daughter-in-law Andreia Williford, grandchildren Mary, Anna, Caden, Levi, and Lewis Simmons, August and Isabella Williford, and great-grandson Jeriah James Simmons; her sister Patricia Purl; her niece and nephews; and many dear friends who will carry forward her faith, her love, and her gift for bringing people together. Serving as pallbearers will be Steven Purl, Todd Purl, August Williford, Caden Simmons, Lewis Simmons, Neal Williams, and Scott Cassel. Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Mary Ann by either making a donation to ChristPoint Methodist Church in Lindale at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z4RD/home, or by doing something she loved: gathering with your family, sharing a meal (taco salad encouraged), and enjoying time together.

Mary Ann Williford

February 28, 1945 - April 21, 2026