Dora Paul Willbanks (Mema) passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels, Texas. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 1:00 PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel, Big Spring, with Royce Clay, officiating. Interment will follow at colorado City Cemetery.The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.She was 91 years young, born on August 10, 1916, in Colorado City, Texas. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Snively. On May 26, 1946, she married Maberry Willbanks, of Rotan, Texas. They were married for 57 years, and had two children, Robert and Rhonda.Before having her children, Dora Paul was a service representative of the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She loved being a homemaker, and teaching Sunday School at the Colorado City Church of Christ. She was also a talented seamstress, painter, and cook. Her love of arts and crafts was passed along to her daughter and granddaughters. In 1968, a job transfer moved Dora Paul and her family to Big Spring, where the family was active in the 14th & Main Church of Christ. In 2001, Maberry and Dora Paul moved to Oaktree Assisted Living, in New Braunfels. After moving to New Braunfels, she delighted in being closer to her daughter and two granddaughters. She enjoyed making new friends, and was joined in many games of Bingo by her granddaughter, Michelle.She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Ester and husband Mike of New Braunfels, two granddaughters, Stacy and Michelle, one sister Anna Don Hardison of Houston, one sister-in-law Mary Jo White and husband Glenn of Abilene, and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband Maberry Willbanks, who died on January 13, 2004. Also preceding her in death were her son Robert Willbanks, brothers Laurence and R.C. Snively, and her parents.The family wishes to extend their thanks to the following people: Dr. William Reeves and the nurses of Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, who provided care and comfort in her final week. All of the caregivers and residents at Oaktree Assisted Living, who made the last few years of her life so fulfilling. The members of the New Braunfels Church of Christ, who offered comfort and prayers for Dora Paul and her family.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
