Mary Givens Program

OF L IFE

D. G IVENS

S UNRISE : February 24, 1944

S UNSET : June 12, 2023

L IFE R EFLECTIONS M ARY D ELL G IVENS was the fourth born child to the parentage of Alama Adell McCarther and Spencer Butler, February 24, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas. Surrounded by family she transitioned from labor to reward while in hospice care at Baylor Scott & White T. Boone Pickens Cancer Hospital in Dallas, Texas, Monday afternoon June 12, 2023, following a period of declining strength and health. The span of her earthly pilgrimage was 79 years and 4 months. She often said that regardless of how long she lived that God has truly blessed her with a wonderful life and she had no regrets. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that she has passed the barrier of time as we know it, and is forever at home with the Savior, Mary faithfully served since her youth. While she loved to worship and fellowship at various churches throughout the area, there was no greater love than being back home at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas. During childhood Mary attended schools in Arizona and Texas. She earned a high school diploma from San Antonio Public Schools. Education was important to Mary, and she worked hard earning two associate degrees from El Centro Community College in Accounting and Business Management, respectively. She later attended University of North Texas and Dallas Baptist University, majoring in Accounting and Business Administration, earning a Bachelor of Science degree December 2001 while being a member of Alpha Sigma Omega honor society for distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, and Christian ethics. Mary’s education led her to work in the private sector for more than 25 years. She started her career at Dresser Industries as an Accountant and went on to work for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) as an Executive Administrator for the Engineering Department. She concluded her professional career with retirement from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in September 2009 after eight years of dedicated service. Although retired, Mary was knowledgeable with yearly IRS updates that family and friends could depend on an email to keep them informed. What do we remember about Mary, affectionately known as either “Diva, Mary D, Ms. Mary, Mary Dell, Mom, Momma G, Ma Givens, Grandma, Grandma G, Aunt Mary or Cousin Mary?” She loved God, church, her family, entertaining, music, favorite shows, sports (especially teams from Texas), and most of all, her Johnnie. Mary was married to the love of her life on May 8, 1967, until God called Henry Lee Givens, Sr. (Johnnie) home May 27, 2007. They loved serving the Lord, helping others and spending time together. Mary knew no strangers as she enjoyed interacting. Family and friends were always welcome at her home. She could tell stories in person or on the telephone about things that happened yesterday or 70 years ago. (Be sure you had some time to listen!). She was patient, kind, humble, humorous, decent, hard-working, and faithful. Mary (Diva) an empowered woman with strong confidence and a powerful personality that was often expressed through her love of fashion by wearing high heels, stylish clothes, accessories, and perfume. She absolutely LOVED her heels and even wore them as she endured trips to the doctor and while receiving treatments. As time went on the family found creative ways for the Diva to still be able to wear heels, not so much on her feet but as a stylish shirt or accessory. We must not forget her love for Hallmark. Mary spent hours finding the right greeting card and took great pride in sending them with her classic penmanship for all holidays and occasions to make everyone feel special. Not to mention the delight she would have receiving cards as well. She really loved and admired her family. Mary served as one of the leaders for family reunions by encouraging family members to attend, and to date is the reigning spades champion. Mary was not shy about hitting 35 South to San Antonio often making it there in record time, just under three hours for a day or weekend trip. She enjoyed making the trips to check on family members and attend various family events – especially graduations and weddings. Mary leaves to cherish most precious memories in the minds and hearts of one daughter, Yvonne Stoglin (HC) of Lancaster, Texas; three sons, Henry Lee Givens, Jr., of Dallas, Texas, Perryn Lamar Givens (Torsheba) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Marcus Leon Givens (Evelin), of Dallas, Texas; two bonus sons, Michael Rose (Annette) of Kaufman, Texas, and Glenn Rose of Mesquite, Texas; one sister, Marilyn Prince of San Antonio, Texas; two brothers, Aaron Prince, Jr., and Johnny Prince (Mary Ann), of San Antonio, Texas; two grandchildren, Linard B. Anderson III of Desoto, Texas, Aaron C. McFarland of Fredericksburg, Virginia; three bonus grandchildren, Michael Rose, II (Kendra) of Rockwall, Texas, Rorry Harris of Mesquite, Texas, Desarae Rose of Mesquite, Texas; a host of bonus great grandchildren; seven brothers-in-law, Harvey Givens, Jr. (Rose) of Kerens, Texas, Robert A. Young (Wanda) of Dallas, Texas, James Bennett Givens (Doris) of Houston, Texas, Quince Givens of Lancaster Texas, Prince Givens of Lancaster, Texas, Elder Ivory Joe Givens (Shirley) of Athens, Texas, Johnny James Givens of Dallas, Texas; five sister-in-law’s, Gloria Anderson of Dallas, Texas, Betty Roberson of Dallas, Texas, Hilda Brown of Athens, Texas, Harriett Beasley (Tim) of Baytown, Texas, and Olanre Butler of Houston, Texas; forever best friend Shari Harvey of San Antonio, Texas, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and lifelong friends. Remember Mary is now healed and reunited with some of her dearest loved ones who have gone on before including her, beloved husband Henry Lee Givens, Sr. father, Spencer Butler Sr.; mother, Alma Adell Butler Prince; sisters, Nancy Ann Butler Kirton, Kay Frances Prince; brothers, Melvin Butler, Spencer Butler, Sr., August Butler, Albert James Butler, Sr., and Edward Butler, Sr.; mother-in-law, Velma Mae Young; father-in-law, Harvey Givens and step-mother Caroline Givens; brother-in-law, Earl Marshall Givens and sister-in-law Carrie Lee; sister-in-laws, Artie Mae Butler, Major Nell Ross, Chrissie Mae Young, Carolyn Miller, Alice Butler; brothers-in-law, Billie Charles Givens and James Anderson; special cousin/sister, Billie Joe Shepard. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing .” ~ II Timothy 4:7-8

“Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work .”~ I Timothy 5:10

Saturday, June 24, 2023 | 3:00 pm G OLDEN G ATE F UNERAL H OME 4155 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. | Dallas, Texas 75224 Rev. Fred Moss, Officiating

J AMES 3:17-18 “ But the wisdom that is from above is first, pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace .” P RELUDE

P ROCESSIONAL Clergy & Family V IDEO P RESENTATION

O LD T ESTAMENT R EADING - Psalms 4:1-10 N EW T ESTAMENT R EADING — Romans 3:31-39 P RAYER OF C OMFORT

M USICAL S ELECTION

R ESOLUTIONS

R EADING OF O BITUARY

S PECIAL T RIBUTES AND R EMARKS (Two minutes per the family) M USICAL S ELECTION

E ULOGY

C ROWNING C EREMONY

R ECESSIONAL

C ELEBRATING THE L IFE OF

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 | 11:00 am S T . S TEPHENS B APTIST C HURCH 2011 East Carson Street | San Antonio, Texas 78208 Rev. Lonnie Franklin, Officiating

J OHN 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

P RELUDE

P ROCESSIONAL Clergy, Pallbearers & Family

V IDEO P RESENTATION

S CRIPTURE R EADING

P RAYER OF C OMFORT

M USICAL S ELECTION

R EADING OF O BITUARY

S PECIAL T RIBUTES AND R EMARKS (Two minutes per the family)

M USICAL S ELECTION

E ULOGY

P ARTING V IEW Golden Gate Directors

R ECESSIONAL

In our rose garden of memories, We see you standing there, An angel in disguise, Who taught us how to care. We long to hear your voice for real – not in our dreams. We’re missing you so much these days, How empty our world seems,

People say time heals all wounds, That someday the pain will subside,

But Momma, we can tell you We think they must have lied.

The emptiness we’re feeling now Is strong and we’re weak. These days go by without you, So dreary and so bleak. In our rose garden of memories We know you’ll always be for though you’re gone from this mortal world, in our hearts you’ll always be.

The Children and Grandchildren

M ARY D. G IVENS

R EMEMBERING O U

UR B ELOVED M ARY

R EMEMBERING O UR

W E L OVE Y

S UPPORTIVE M OTHER

YOU M OMMA

I F R OSES G ROW IN H EAVEN By Dolores M. Garcia

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.

-Love, Yvonne

Momma, Had it not been for you, there would be no me. And at this point, I want to thank the Lord for your life. Now you have gone home, from this earth. Go in peace and love, for my heart is yet heavy, but not without love. Your love for everyone is a lasting love in which I will never let go of. Though my heart is heavy with pain, I know that God has brought you back home to relieve you of the pain. Thank you Momma for my life, filled with tough love and compassion in which I, Henry Jr., your 1st born son to you and Daddy. I know God has taken home a good servant and fighter. I am going to trust in the Lord until we meet again on the other side. One love Momma, with my love, missing you, but always loving you. Henry “Junior” Momma A*K*A “Mary D” The Diva, Our hearts are never ready to share a time like this, but as you often told me through our many conversations “PePe”, God will never put more on you than you can bear”, as he knows all of our limits. With that being said I still reach out in sadness and in love. Today as we move forward we (The Family) must continue to hold each other close and reminisce, and tell of all of our saved-up stories of the good old days with lots of smiles and laughter. Momma or shall I say “ Mary D” all I can say is take rest now free of pain, and I will reflect back on my 52 years of your love and guidance. Love You Always, “Mary D”, Perryn A*K*A “PePe”

T RIBUTES TO O UR

Momma, My Twin, My everything, I will never find the words that would express how much I am going to miss you Twin. I would give my life to have you back, but you are with Daddy now happy and free. You were my everything and you still are my everything. Whenever you saw Mary D, you saw Lil ’Marcus and when you saw Lil’ Marcus you saw Mary D. Everything I know I learned from you. So, when you think I was not listening I really was. You taught me a lot from God, love, family, respect, loyalty and even your love for fashion. I am fortunate to be your son and it's an honor to call you, my momma. I feel like it would take a lifetime to write all the beautiful memories we shared together. I hope they can convey how wonderful of a mother you really were. Now that you are with Daddy, I can say I have two angels watching aver my siblings and me. Am I selfish for wanting you here? I am, but I am happy that you no longer suffering in pain. You are pain free. Your legacy will continue to live on in all of us. I love you Momma forever to eternity until the day we meet again.

Love Always, Your Baby Boy

L EGACY OF L OVE A wife, a mother, a grandma too, This is the legacy we have from you You taught us love and how to fight You gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another Not just as a wife not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best And now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep, Your love in our hearts we’ll eternally keep. -Love you Grandmother, Linard

B ELOVED M OMMA

C ARING S ISTER , G RANDMOTHER

“You will always have a special place in our hearts”

R EMEMBERING O U

A UNT , C OUSIN , AND F RIEND

“You will be truly missed”

UR B ELOVED M ARY

F OREVER I N O

Dear Loved Ones, There is no need to cry or be saddened any longer I want you to celebrate my home going because there is now true peace, happiness, and joy in my new home. There is no more pain or heartache, no strife or discontent, only sweet serenity. You don’t have to worry about me anymore I’m sitting at the Master’s bountiful table and my heavenly Father is here in all His Glory. I don’t have a telephone yet, but you can always call on the Master, for he likes to deliver messages. If you don’t know his number, just pick up your bible and begin to read, for it is listed on every page. Just remember that I’m never far away just look up and know that I’m always with you, just a heartbeat away. Please take the time and give me a call because I’d love to hear from you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through!

I love you with all my heart, Mary D. Givens

O UR H EARTS

Acknowledgement As we endeavor to accept God’s will in calling home our beloved Mary D. Givens, we wish to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude for the many expressions of love. Perhaps you sung a lovely song, or sat quietly in a chair, perhaps you sent a beautiful flower, if so, we saw it there; Perhaps you sent a special card, if so, we will cherish this encouragement; Perhaps you spoke a kind word, as only friends would say; Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Perhaps you prepared some tasty food, or maybe furnished a car, Perhaps you rendered a service unseen, near at hand or from afar. Whatever you did to comfort our hearts, during this time of transition we thank you so very much. Your thoughtfulness lifted our hearts and spirit. We ask that you keep us in your prayers as we continue the healing process. May God richly bless each of you, The Family A CTIVE P ALLBEARERS Adam Butler, Nephew • Anthony Butler, Nephew • Sedar Shepard, Cousin Aaron Prince, Jr., Brother • Johnny Prince, Brother • Gerald Butler, Nephew Spencer Butler III, Nephew • Michael Butler, Nephew H ONORARY P ALLBEARERS Henry Givens, Jr., Son • Perryn Givens, Son • Marcus Givens, Son Linard Anderson III, Grandson • Aaron McFarland, Grandson Skyler C. Hart, Great Nephew • Greyson Rapheal, Great Nephew • H.C. Stoglin, Son-in-Law F LOWER B EARERS Ashley Anderson, Niece • Monet Anderson, Niece • Cynthia Butler, Niece Diana Ward, Niece • Amber Kirton, Niece •Felicia Capriette, Niece INTERMENT

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 2:15 pm Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery San Antonio, Texas