Audrey Faye Ballow Mackey

Audrey Faye Ballow Mackey
May 28, 1931 - July 25, 2018

Graveside services for Audrey Faye Ballow Mackey, 87, longtime resident of Gladewater will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 3, 2018 at Gladewater Memorial Park with Bro. Bailey Harris officiating under the direction of Croley Funeral Home of Gladewater. Mrs. Mackey passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in Gladewater.

Mrs. Mackey preceded in death by her Parents: Sidney Love & Mattie Lou Ballow and in death by her Siblings: Andrew Ballow, William Ballow, Ernest Ballow, Ira Ballow, & Edna Ballow. Survived by her sister: Eunice Ballow Pfeifer (husband; Heinz of Lufkin, Texas). Children: Kerry Mackey (wife; Stephanie of Gladewater), Kent Mackey (Houston), Kim Mackey Hudspeth (husband; Brian of Henderson), 8 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren

Faye was born May 28, 1931 in Woden, Texas to Sidney and Mattie Lou Ballow. Graduating with honors from Woden High School. Attending SFA Teachers College (now SFA State University) she received a Bachelor of Science in 1955 and Masters in Education in 1959 while teaching in Gladewater Independent School District. Choosing teaching as a profession, majoring in Health, Physical Education & Recreation, Minoring in Art and receiving certifications at all levels she came to Gladewater in 1955 as an Elementary P.E. Teacher; taught 12 years in the Elementary and Junior High, and one year at the High School.

She took a leave of absence after 13 years of teaching to have her family. After 7 years as an active homemaker, she returned to the business world as an employee of one of the oldest businesses in Gladewater (Keoun Music Company) spending 8 years working for Hurshel Baker. Faye then became the ProShop Manager for Gladewater Country Club and served faithfully there for 17 1/2 years. She finished her corporate career working the last 12 years at Austin Bank in Longview Texas, retiring at age 81.

Faye’s love for the city of Gladewater was evident in her commitment to serving for over 60 years through community service. From her 63 years as a member of First Baptist Church of Gladewater to over 30 years of serving the youth of Gladewater as a Cheerleading Coach, Camp Fire Girls Leader, Boy Scouts Sponsor and Silver Beaver Award Winner. And in 1979, Faye was honored as the “Outstanding Woman of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Gladewater. In addition, Faye served 9 years as a Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and 11 years as an Officer for the United Way.

Faye was a Life Member of the Texas State Teachers Association, the National Education Association, and Laureate Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

She passed peacefully from her earthly life on the evening of Wednesday, July 25th into the arms of Jesus in the comfort of her home with family. She would want you all to know, that she loved Gladewater, its residents, her church family, and the East Texas way of life. It is with great joy that we celebrate her life; a life well lived through her relationship with Jesus and her love for serving others in her community.

In lieu of flowers, Faye requested that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Gladewater, Texas (denoted for Student Camp) to assist any and all children and youth to be able to attend student camp where they can hear the message of Jesus Christ, which changed her life and will change the lives of all who hear the Gospel. Donations can be mailed to First Baptist Church Gladewater, P.O. Box 1444, Gladewater, Texas 75647.