Mary Thelda Holsenbeck's Obituary
Mary Thelda (Floyd) Holsenbeck entered fully into the presence of the Lord on April 1, 2023.
Mary was born June 7, 1950, to Gary and Mary Floyd in Mount Vernon, Texas. She became a Christian as a young girl and followed Christ throughout her life.
After graduating from South Oak Cliff High School in 1968 Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work, a Master of Arts degree in sociology, and a Doctor of Arts degree in education.
Mary started her working career with the Texas Department of Public Safety and later worked with various law firms. She was self-employed for many years doing public relations work and professional writing. Mary taught at Southern Methodist University where she wrote curriculum for her graduate classes and developed courses for continuing education.
Her interests included photography, writing, shooting, fishing, teaching, and especially flying.
She was passionate about aviation and counted many aviators as her friends. She had an adventurous spirit and traveled to Africa, Europe, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, and many of the lower 48 states. Mary made friends easily. She was a generous and loyal friend to all who knew her. Mary was an encourager and a champion of her family and friends.
Mary was a dreamer and her exuberance for life was evidenced by her love for planning the next project or adventure. She never stopped planning. She was looking forward to her next trip even in her final days. Whether it was a trip with her nieces, a visit from family, or the next fishing party, she looked forward with joy to what lay ahead.
Mary was predeceased by her father and mother Gary and Mary Floyd, sisters Lafreda Henry, Glynna Gaylor, and Thressa Floyd, brothers Dale Floyd and Don Floyd, and brothers-in-law Richard Henry and Billy Gaylor, nieces Mary Hysell, Peggy Floyd and Tammy Henry, and nephew Gary Henry. She is survived by her brother Lynn Floyd, sisters-in-law Jackie Floyd and Juanita Floyd, nieces Vickie Curry, Suzy Kile, Donna Tovey, and Natalie (Floyd) Wagley, nephews Randy Floyd, Jon Floyd, Don Floyd, Jeffrey Gaylor, David Floyd, Eric Floyd, and Adam Floyd, and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family expresses special thanks to Suzy and Ronnie Kile for their untiring help throughout Mary's illness and for the many trips from Emory to Dallas. The family would also like to express its love and appreciation to Nancy Hoing and Lynn Auerbach for their help and years of friendship to Mary.
Services will be held in the main chapel at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue,
Dallas, Texas 75243 at 10:00 a.m. on April 7, 2023. The Reverend Jeff Thompson will officiate.
Visitation will be held the hour preceding the service.
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