Mary Lou Alexander

Mary Lou Hudgins Alexander entered her eternal heavenly rest on September 10, 2024, at the age of 93. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, September 14, at 10 a.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. Interment will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation with family will be Friday, September 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Grace Gardens. 

Born November 13, 1930, Mary was the youngest of 6 children born to William and Earnie Hudgins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Billy Charles Alexander; brothers Herman and Roscoe Hudgins; sisters Aline Suber, Fay Smith, and Lorene Hudgins. 

Mary is survived by her daughter, Teresa Contreras and husband Ed; granddaughters Lisa Clarke and husband, Sean, of Cairo, Egypt, Laura Thrasher and husband, Matthew, of Houston, Texas; great-grandson, Samuel Thrasher; nieces Becky Hudgins, Judy Rankin, Deb Gibson and husband, Don; nephew Jim Brown, and wife, Liz. 

In the early years of her marriage to the love of her life, Billy Charles, she enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling by air in their Cessna. Her flight training ended in 1965 with the birth of their only daughter, Teresa. Mary Lou and Billy Charles were married 68 years. She enjoyed her job with Collins Radio from 1953 to 1965. She was a 10-year veteran employee of the pilot line constructing electronics designed by engineers in the research and development stage. With the arrival of her baby, she chose to leave Collins Radio and become a full-time homemaker and mother. 

In the latter half of her life, Mary enjoyed oil painting, sewing, crafting and beloved family gatherings serving her cherished cookies. 

Her life reflected Proverbs 31:10-31, marked by her deep love for Jesus, her family, and her friends. She was a member of Alliance Bible Church and loved to worship through music. Mary's legacy of faith, love, and creativity will continue to inspire those who knew her, and she will be profoundly missed.

Pallbearers for Mary's celebration of life will be Jim Brown, John Contreras, Don Gibson, and Matthew Thrasher. Reverend Mark Failing and Reverend Scott Robbins will lead our celebration.