Mary Grace Byrne

Mary Grace Collins Byrne was born November 11, 1940, in Selman City in Rusk County, Texas and went to be with her Lord and Savior October 8, 2023. She was one of five children born to H.M. and Rosalie Collins.  In 1959, Mary married Jerry Douglas Byrne.  Together they had 4 children.  As a devoted wife of a Law Enforcement Officer, she followed him to duty stations that included Monahans, Abilene, Balmorhea, and Pecos, TX. Mary loved her role as mother and strived to raise her children with steadfast morals and convictions.   In addition to being a devoted mother and wife, Mary also pursued a career of her own in law enforcement. Mary’s inspiring tenacity led her to her degree in Criminal Justice and she went on to be an expert in her field of Jail Administration. She began her career as a secretary and promoted continually and gained status as Captain, Commander and Administrator of several West Texas Detention Facilities, including Reeves County Jail, Reeves County Detention Center, Ward County Jail, Tom Green County Jail and Presidio County Jail.

Mary is survived by her 4 children: Jerry Byrne Jr and wife Robin of Bronte, TX, Suzette Byrne Wingo and her husband, Tony of Pecos, TX, Jennifer Byrne Conger and husband Jarret also of Pecos, TX, and Robin Byrne Teters of Midlothian, TX. She has 10 grandchildren. Will Kington, Tyler Kington, Chase Wingo, Rachel Wadsworth, Rebecca Byrne, Quinten Conger, Dana Conger, Lauren Conger, Baleigh Teters and K.C. Teters.  She has 10 great grandchildren with one on the way.

She is also survived by 2 brothers: Charles Collins and friend Anita Wiliford-Loggins of Gilmer, TX and Donnie Collins and wife Daniella of Athens, TX.

Mary was a woman of great character and integrity. She was big hearted, loving and had the most infectious laugh. She was devoted to her family and its legacy.  She was known and respected by most all Law Enforcement and Detention Agencies in West Texas.  She was a devout Christian who was committed to her family as well as her church family at West Park Baptist Church in Pecos, Texas.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, H.M. and Rosalie Collins, brothers Herbert Collins and Jim Collins and the love of her life Jerry Douglas Byrne Sr.

The family would like to thank Home Hospice of Odessa for their kindness and loving care during their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colon Cancer Coalition,

https://coloncancercoalition.org

Visitation with the family will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring St in Midland on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.  Services for Mary will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, at First Christian Church, 423 S. Elm, in Pecos at 11:00AM.  Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Ft. Davis, TX at 3:00PM.

Pallbearers are grandsons: Will Kington, Tyler Kington, Chase Wingo, K.C. Teters and nephews: Chance Collins and David Collins.  Honorary Pallbearers are Dean Wadsworth and Quinten Conger.

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

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