Funeral service for Mary Alice (McDonald) Koon, age 96, of Brashear, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs with Dr. David Hardage, Dr. Jeff Gravens, and Tommy Johnston officiating. Interment will follow at Sherley Cemetery with Daron DeWitt, Kody Koon, Kyle Koon, Kory Koon, Koyt Koon, Joshua Holland, John Holland, Kade Koon, Chase Koon, Michael Lawrence, and Casey Emerine serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Mrs. Koon passed away peacefully at Baylor Hospital in Dallas on Thursday, April 24, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Mary Koon was born on September 13, 1928 in Brashear, TX, to Phil McDonald, Sr. and Mildred (Starrett) McDonald. She was one of four children. She graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1944. Mary married the love of her life, Brody Lee Koon, at the First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Texas on June 7, 1950. Mary and Brody were partners in life. She worked alongside him, helping to provide the very best for their family. She was content to work behind the scenes when it came to their Registered Jersey Farm. She was chief cook and bottle washer, Gofer and Taxi Driver, Nurse and Counselor, and secretary, taking countless messages from potential cattle buyers. She cooked many a meal for classifiers, cattle buyers, workers, and of course, Brody!
The most important job for Mary was being a wife and mother, taking care of her family and home. Mary’s family was her life. She was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her children with her whole heart. She and Brody worked together to make sure their children knew Jesus. She continued to pray they would remain faithful to God, always trust in Him, and meet her in Heaven.
Mary was known for her Hopkins County Stew, chicken and dressing, lemon meringue pie, and her award-winning peach ice cream. She loved to host and celebrate all the holidays. Her Grands and Great-Grands always looked forward to her popcorn balls when trick-or-treating and Easter egg hunts. The highlight of every family Christmas was Granny Mary’s “Sharing the Story of Jesus’ Birth.”
Mary enjoyed planting a garden and caring for her flowers and plants. She loved sharing her home-grown vegetables, figs, pears, and musky dime preserves with friends and family.
Mary was a long-time member of First Baptist Church for 81 years, since 1944. She was a vital part of the children’s ministry at FBC. She served faithfully as Sunday School director and third-grade teacher for 26 years. She also directed and taught Vacation Bible School each summer. She professed her most fulfilling moments in teaching were leading someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
She was also a member of Silverstone Choir, the Diamond Set 55 Plus ministry, and Women Mission Union. Mary and Brody served on the Baptism, Lord’s Supper, and Hospitality committees for numerous years. She attended many youth camps as a sponsor and cook. Brody often made early milk runs to the store because Mary couldn’t say no to after-church Cookies-n-Milk for those growing boys.
Aside from the church, Mary was very involved with the Reilly Springs Cemetery Association. She served in various capacities as an officer and a member.
Mary had a special love for children and youth, and she was known as “Granny” to them all. She touched the lives of the people she met by taking time to listen, showing them she truly cared. She had a true servant’s heart. Mary shared her faith in God and His Love not only in words, but by the way she lived every day.
Mary is survived by her four children, Randy Koon (Sheila), Jana DeWitt (Weldon), Karman Holland (Brad), Kris Koon (Miki) all of Brashear, Texas; grandchildren, Daron DeWitt, Jandi Lawrence (Michael), Kody Koon (Breanna), Kyle Koon, Kory Koon (Katie), Koyt Koon (Kylie), Daron DeWitt, Jandi Lawrence (Michael), Joshua Holland (Tanna), Emily Emerine (Casey), John Holland (Andrea), Kade Koon, and Chase Koon; and great-grandchildren, Ayden Koon, Addyson Koon, Kynslee Koon, Kaydence Koon, Kase Saucier, Emerson Koon, Brody Koon, Sawyer Koon, Sage Koon, Landri Lawrence, Sam Lawrence, Addie Emerine, Gentry Emerine, Colter Holland, Lane Holland, Jenna Holland, and Emma Holland; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Mildred McDonald; husband, Brody Koon; brothers, Joe McDonald, Luther McDonald, Phil McDonald, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Terri Jordan Koon; and grandson, Jace DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the First Baptist Church – Youth & Children’s Ministry at 116 Oak Ave, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Arrangements are under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
