Mary Huggins
Mary L. Huggins, 88, of Hico passed away June 14, 2022.
She was born to Cora English White and Edwin Horatio White Jan. 7, 1934, in Big Wells.
Along with being a wife and mother of five, she held many jobs through the years. These included Tax Assessor-Collector for Hico ISD and bookkeeper for Blair’s Hardware in Hico. In 1976, she decided to pursue her dream to become a teacher and enrolled at Tarleton State University. At this time, her two youngest children were in elementary school. She continued to work full time while attending Tarleton and taking a full course load. After receiving Bachelor’s (1979) and Master’s (1981) degrees in English, she became an English instructor at Tarleton where she worked until she retired in 1998.
Mary had many interests and passions. First and foremost was her love of family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were so important to her. She was proud of her deep Texas roots which pre-date the Texas Revolution. She was always ready to play Scrabble and enjoyed other board games along with card games and dominoes. Other interests included genealogy, history, antiques and gardening with an emphasis on irises. She was a long-time member of the American Iris Society, a charter member of the Johnson County Iris and Daylily Society, and founder and charter member of the Lone Star Iris Society.
For several years Mary maintained an antique store in Hico and in Stephenville. She was very involved in other community activities including the establishment of the Hico Historic Preservation Association as well as a Hico library, and she served as an adult leader in the Hico Cub Scout Pack.
Mary was an active member of the Hamilton County Historical Museum and she was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hico.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Huelon “Pete” Huggins; her parents Cora and Horatio White; and her siblings Margaret Miller, Edwin White and Virginia Rahrs.
Mary is survived by daughters Cathy Herrin and spouse Larry and Clarice Aaron; sons Lloyd Huggins and spouse Bettye, Henry Huggins and Chester Huggins and spouse Andria; grandchildren Doug Peacock and spouse Abbi, Mary Peacock Grimm and spouse Clynt, Anne Herrin Winter and spouse Trevor, Jay Herrin, Jeff Huggins, Nathan Huggins, Clara Armentrout, Paul Armentrout and Joan Huggins; great-grandchildren Peyton Grimm, Wyatt Peacock, Cody Peacock, Evie Winter and Theo Winter; sister Dorothy “Pud” Mullins and spouse Ed; sister-in-law Frances Jagee; brother-in-law Emery “Butch” Rahrs; and innumerable nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation due to her wishes to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hico Senior Center, Hamilton Community Center or Hamilton County Historical Museum in her name.
The family gives special thanks to the staff of Hico Nursing and Rehabilitation for the attentive and loving care they provided Mary, and to the hospice nurses of Elara Caring for the comfort they gave her in her last days.
