Mary Ann Tonroy

Mary Ann Tonroy, 93 of Dallas, Texas went to be with the Lord on July 20, 2021, in Grandview, Texas. She was born May 25, 1928, to George Asa and Mary Ann (Bowen) Sowell in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Mary is survived by her children, Leslie Block of Grandview, TX, and son, Lucky Tonroy Jr. of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Mary Ann (Molly) Short of Buda, TX and Leslie Katherine (Katie) Woodruff of Fischer, TX; great grandson, Luke Dillon Short. Mary is preceded n death by her sisters, Frances Edgemon and Nancy Taylor.

Mary Ann grew up in the small town of Holly Springs, MS. She was the second daughter of 3 girls born to George Asa (who was the town dentist) and Mary Ann Sowell. She loved telling the story of her ancestral home "Wakefield" in Holly Springs, which was the home at one time of her grandparents, John Spinks Sowell and Laura Alice Jones Sowell. She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women and became a teacher. She spent her early teaching career in Mississippi but eventually moved to Midland, TX, where she married Lucky Tonroy in 1960. She taught a variety of grades from 1st through high school and special education, but her favorite would always be high school English. She continued teaching school until the birth of her children, when she retired from teaching in order to raise her family. Mary Ann had 3 children: Leslie, Lucky Jr., and George. Sadly, she lost her youngest son George in a tragic accident when he was 18 years old. Mary Ann lived the remaining years of her life in Dallas, where she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lucky Tonroy, who died a year before her on July 4, 2020. Mary Ann had a passion for genealogy and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She will also always be remembered for finding a good deal and could frequently be found at local garage and estate sales. She will mostly be remembered for her love of poetry. She memorized and recited many poems and quotes over the years; her favorite poem was "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe. Mary Ann was a friend to many and all those who knew her loved her. She was caring about all those whose lives she touched. The family would like to especially thank the staff of Grandview Nursing Home for taking such wonderful care of Mr. and Mrs. Tonroy.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on July 29 at Restland Wildwood Chapel located in Dallas, Texas.

paid obituary