Mary L. Wightman

Mary Lou Venn Wightman was born on October 25, 1932 to Dora and Emmett Venn.  Mary was raised in Gilmer, Texas and graduated from Union Grove High School. She married in 1951 to Wayne Wightman, they resided in Fremont, Ohio raising a family of five wonderful children.  In 1978 the family returned to Gilmer to help take care of her mother Dora.  She then worked at Union Grove High School as an instructional aide and bus driver. She enjoyed baking and spending time with family and friends. In retirement Mary enjoyed many camping trips across the country in their motorhome, dancing, and playing games. She also loved to golf and was an active member of the Gilmer Country Club.  She belonged to the First United Methodist Church in Gilmer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne Wightman; sons, Kenneth Wightman, Thomas Wightman; brother Charles Venn; and granddaughter Rachael Joines.

Mary is survived by her sons, David Wightman and wife Alane of Ventura, California, Tim Wightman and wife Linda of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; daughter Carol Gray and husband David of Kyle, Texas; 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held 11am, Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Morris Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, March 31, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.