Mary Bernice Fitzgerald

Mary was born on Oct. 21, 1926, in Ozona, Texas, to James Warren Friend and Bernice Watters Friend. Mary’s father was a rancher all his life in Ozona, Fort Stockton & Fort Davis, Texas.  Mary attended elementary school in Fort Stockton and high school in Fort Davis, graduating in May, 1943. Her high school sweetheart, Ray E. Fitzgerald graduated with her.  She went to Mary Hardin Baylor and Ray went to the Navy in the Pacific for WWII. In September, 1946, when both were back in Fort  Davis, Mary & Ray were married at the ranch on September 18, 1946.  They had two children, Mary Lynn (Rusty) and Elizabeth Ann.  Mary, pianist & taught children to love music & the arts.  She enjoyed oil painting & left several oil paintings for family to enjoy.

Mary is survived by her two daughters, Mary L (Rusty Wofford) & husband Johnny Wofford, three grandchildren Warren Wofford, Georgia Wofford Thomas (Jason Thomas), Jake Wofford (Muinearra Wofford), three great grandchildren, Joshua & Samuel, & Alli Wofford.  Daughter Elizabeth Ann & husband David Cope, three grand-children, Renessa Niemeyer, Duncan Cope & Denise Cope, eight great grandchildren & seven great-great grandchildren. Also survived by a sister Polly McWhorter of Salem, Washington, nephew Wesley & niece Jessica & two great nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by husband Ray and parents Warren & Bernice Friend.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Cowden Cottage and their staff.  They worked so diligently to care for & make her comfortable.

Arrangements are under the directions of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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