Mary Louise Graeber

Mary Louise Graeber, of Kosse, passed away at her home on Friday, August 12, 2011. Her passing was serene and peaceful. Visitation will be Monday, August 15, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church of Kosse, with Brother Jimmy Phillips and Reverend John Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow at the Kosse City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jourdan Howard, Chris Howard, Mike Howard, Rob Howard, and Ed Carter. Mary was born March 27, 1922 in Cooke County, near Myra, to Morton L. And Gracie L. Parker. Even as a young girl, she was a motivated competitor, and loved to tell her children, “I could out run all the boys in school.” In 1950, Mary moved to Dallas with her two young sons, determined to give them the best life possible. She immediately went to work for Southwestern Bell. Her starting salary was $26 a week, but, she would later tell, “I didn’t stay at that level for long because I worked my tail off and loved every minute of it.” Her professional career of almost 30 years with Southwestern Bell was successful beyond her dreams. If you had the good fortune to know Mary, you would understand. At the time Mary retired, she was responsible for over 500 employees. She was not just the boss, but a confidant and mentor to young women needing a positive role model. She often said that she had the best job in the world. Her positive attitude influenced everyone she met. Mary met and married Walter C. Graeber in 1953. Walter was very supportive of her career. That support encouraged Mary to accept positions in upper management that were offered to her over the years. For about ten years, they were week-enders at their Kosse farm. They finally made a permanent move from Dallas to Kosse and bought a house in 1979. It didn’t take long for Mary to get involved in city, community, and county activities. She brought a wealth of professional experience, and a heart for limitless giving. Her accomplishments after moving to Kosse were too many to adequately cover, from convincing the phone company to allow Kosse residents to call surrounding communities with no long distance charges, to helping start the Kosse Lion’s Club and Limestone County Crimestoppers. She attended countless meetings and events. She never questioned the time commitment required. It was all about helping others. Her influence will be felt in Limestone County for generations. When attending meetings became a challenge for Mary because of her health and the health of Walter as well, she continued her efforts from home. No matter what the need - fund raisers, meetings, bake sales, volunteers, or special events, she was ready. Mary and her telephone were a powerful combination. Her parents, and her son, Robert Howard preceded her in death. Mary is survived by her husband, Walter Graeber, and her son, Jim Howard. Also, she leaves behind six grandchildren, Lindsey Howard, Jourdan Howard, Chris Howard, Mike Howard, Rob Howard, Jr., and Jacquoi Howard, and eight great grandchildren.