Mary Kirton

Mary Beth Griffith Kirton, 60 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, August 23, 2014 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born August 25, 1953 in Waxahachie, Texas to Frank & Jewell Griffith. She attended Avalon Schools and graduated from Avalon High School. She went on to become a nurse and worked for many years for Dr. Chatawanich and Dr. Chaurworn. One of the things that she loved to say about many "kids" born in the late 70's and 80's was "I helped deliver them". Mary had a great love for travel and adventure. It was this love that prompted her to partner with Sally McCluskey in Lets Go Travel. Owning this agency allowed her and her family the opportunity to make many unforgettable memories. In 1995, she and her husband Jim opened the Party Depot. This led to the opening of Beth Ann's Bakery and eventually to the joining of the two into Occasions Unlimited. Occasions Unlimited gave Mary the ability to work on many Community and private events. She loved to see the excitement in a young bride's eyes when she saw her wedding cake and reception. In 2005, she had what she described as "the best year of her life". She and Jim got out of the party and event business and ventured into the horse business full time. She had a great passion for Tennessee Walking Horses. She and Jim owned Tenn-Tex Farms in Kaufman, Texas. She loved both owning and showing horses. She shared that love of horses with her grand-children on many show trips across the country. Above all else, Mary loved her family. She was so proud of Joey, her only child by birth. She loved him dearly and was a dedicated Mother and supporter of his. In 1985, she met the love of her life Jim Engel, Jim brought with him his son David. She loved David and she raised him as her own. She adored these boys, but she was destined to have many other loves later in life, her grandchildren. She embraced being Maw Maw from day one. Mary is survived by her husband, Jim Engel; Sons: Joey and Laura of Waxahachie, Texas; David Engel and Leigh Ann of Bryan, Texas; Grandchildren: Michael, Bryson & Nicholas Kirton, Jordan, Avery and Jaxon Engel. Brother Clyde Griffith & Paula of Avalon, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. She is also survived by a host of friends that she considered family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Brothers J.B. and Max Griffith and a sister Betty Arnold. Mary had a zest for life. She loved to laugh and have fun. She was also kind and giving and loved to help people whenever she could. She gave countless hours to a service sorority, the Chamber of Commerce and the Waxahachie Community, the Tennessee Walking Horse Community, in addition to family and friends. In keeping with this giving spirit, we ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Mary's name. Services to celebrate her life are scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, August 28, 2014 at the Pat Boze Memorial Chapel of Wayne Boze Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Zimmerman officiating. There will be a time for visitation with the family immediately after the service Arrangements are under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas. www.waynebozefuneralhome.com

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