Mary Texanna Willburn Buckalew, 86, was born at Spearman, Hansford County, TX to David Hyron Willburn and Louisa R. Ward Willburn on April 5, 1921. She was the fifth member of a family of thirteen children. We called her "Ann". She married the late "Lee" Leroy Buckalew of Houston, TX where they lived for many years. She was a retired secretary and bookkeeper and a member of the First Christian Church.

Ann served in the US Army during World War II. Her assignment was in Communications serving in North Africa and in Italy, including the Rome-Arno Campaign. She was awarded the Bronze Star and the WAAC Service Medal.

Ann was always a "favorite aunt" among her many nieces and nephews. She always had time for them and loved them so very much. Also, she was always sharing and giving with all her younger brothers and sisters who grew up around her.

Mary is survived by her sisters: Dorothy Willburn and Flois Henrichsen of Bay City and Betty Jo Buchanan of Tennessee Colony, TX; by her brothers: Glynn W. Willburn of Bay City and Blaine Henry of Sandia, TX; and by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: Lee Buckalew; by her parents: David & Louisa Willburn; and by five brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will begin Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 6, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 2438 of Bay City.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to cancer research or to the charity of choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.