Mary Sue Hockenberry

Mary Sue Hockenberry, 63, died on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, in McKinney, Texas. After her valiant fight with various illnesses, her strong will to live, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and supporters carried her through to the end. Yet even throughout her own struggle, she reached out to others in need to offer joy and laughter. Mary was born on May 20, 1953, in Tyler, Texas, to Billie and Billy Thornton. One of seven beautiful girls, Elsie, Guinn, Nancy, Betty, Opal, and Donna, as well as one brother, Alvie – they and her grew up in Tyler, in their beautiful home state of Texas. Known for her open and frank conversation even with total strangers, some may be surprised to learn of the extreme shyness of her youth. Yet even as a child, she possessed a contagious smile and a stubborn streak to balance it. Throughout her life she maintained a strong demeanor that won the hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant love. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. After graduating from Chapel Hill High School in Tyler, Texas, and joining the U. S. Air Force, she met her Sweetheart, Larry Edward Hockenberry, while on base in San Antonio, Texas. The couple was married the following year on February 4, 1972, at the Kelly Chapel on Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Married for 23 years, Mary & Larry raised their two dear sons, Christopher and David, over the years in Italy, California, and finally in Princeton, Texas. Mary helped shape their lives by her tireless example, with a real zest for life. Mary loved to play games/cards, be with her family and friends, go bowling, and at times just watch television together – especially with her grandchildren. She loved to chat with friends and family, and fondly discussed her days of travel from her younger years… just to name a few. After the passing of Larry in 1995, Mary devoted her life to help raise her grandchildren, even in the later years when her health was failing. She loved to go on outings with her Grandchildren to the movies and eat with family and friends through the holidays. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually. In one sentence that nicely sums up how fondly she will be remembered: Our Angel that lived, laughed, and loved. Mary is survived by her sons, Christopher Hockenberry and wife, Pam and David Hockenberry and wife, Lisa; grandchildren, Jonathan, Chris, Andrew, Jacob, Nick, Daniel, Ethan and Mia; sisters, Donna Phillips, Opal Thull and Betty Thorton. Graveside service: 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Kendrick Cemetery, 1251 W. Grande Blvd, Tyler, TX 75703. The Rev. James Cheathelm will officiate. A luncheon reception for the family and close friends will be held immediately following the funeral at a location yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made via https://www.gofundme.com/mary-hockenberrys-funeral. Yet, beyond financial donations, Mary always lived by the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated, i.e. do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say “I love you” to your special friend in her memory.

Mary Sue Hockenberry

May 20, 1953 - November 23, 2016