Mary Pitcock

Mary McFarlane Pitcock left this world from Graham, America on January 24, 2026 to be with her Savior whom she walked with faithfully for 101 years. She was born Mary Ellen McFarlane in Graham on September 16, 1924 to Alma Carl McFarlane and William Doddridge McFarlane, who served as a United States Congressman and was a long-time member of the Texas House and Senate.

Mary Pitcock was known by many endearing names including “Nana” and “Aunt Mary” to her family and friends, and “Mrs. Pitcock” to her hundreds of English students from Graham High School, where she graduated and later taught for more than 25 years. She graduated at 19 years old from Texas State College for Women (now TWU), where she was Senior Class President. Mary then took a position in Orange, Texas teaching language arts, which continued for many years. Her mastery and love of grammar and literature were central to her story.

Mary was many things to many people but she might have been happiest next to her husband of 64 years, Louis Pitcock, Jr. They were high school sweethearts who met at the Methodist Church. Louis and Mary resumed their relationship after WWII and were married on June 29, 1949, after Louis graduated college. Their marriage of devotion to each other and service to their family, community, and their church family at First United Methodist Church is an example for all.

Mary loved to tell stories about her vast experiences. Her time on the campaign trail with her father, in Washington working at the Library of Congress and the State Department, family drives from Graham to Washington in inclement weather, and the latest “Graham connection” she made on her travels were some of her favorites. Mary loved to keep up with her family and friends, calling regularly to make sure she had the latest about her loved ones’ lives. Mary also enjoyed being involved in the community and socializing with her friends. She led the CLSC as President, which supports the Library of Graham, the Garden Club as President, and was a charter member of the Graham Hospital Auxiliary.

Mary was the most gracious hostess. She loved to bring people together around her table and always had the right arrangement to make sure everyone felt important. She tried never to miss her weekly domino game with her friends and never missed a chance to celebrate people or mark an occasion. For many years, Mary and Louis hosted Christmas brunch at Graham Country Club so they could wish all their friends a Merry Christmas in person. And every year, not long after the turkey was cold, Mary made sure her Christmas tree was erected and trimmed and every family member got to hang the ornament with their name on it.

The story of Mary Pitcock’s life is a story of deep love for Christ which showed through in her love for everyone around her. The person in front of her at any given time, whether the President of the United States, a grandchild, or someone she just met, was always the most important. Her legacy is the impact on all those who knew her and the love she showed those around her. She led when she needed to lead, showed up at every chance, and expressed the kind of genuine interest in other people’s lives someone can only have from a sense of deep humility. Her memory is a blessing to everyone who knew her.

Louis and Mary are the parents of Ellen Pitcock Morris (and late husband Charles), Louis Pitcock III and wife Meredith, and Tom Pitcock. They have five grandchildren: Mary Heartfield, Amanda Masters and husband Justin, Justin Pitcock and wife Mary Paine, Dalton Pitcock and wife Gabby, and Merann Stagner and husband Jud. They have 20 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Louis, as well as sisters Betty and Barbara, and brothers William and Robert. Services are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, with a celebration of her life on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church 3rd Generation Fund, NCTC Pitcock Scholarship Fund, or a charity of your choice.