GUNN, Mary E. (Kendrick)

After a brief illness, Mary Elizabeth Kendrick Gunn died peacefully Sunday, March 20, 2011, in Arlington. Memorial service: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center St., Arlington, with Dr. David N. Mosser officiating. Interment: 11 a.m. Wednesday in Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington. Visitation: The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Floyd and Beth Gunn Scholarship Fund at First United Methodist Church of Arlington. Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Gunn was born in Oklahoma in 1914. She graduated from Ardmore High School and attended Oklahoma College for Women and Oklahoma A&M. She married Floyd M. Gunn and they moved to Arlington in 1947 to build a future for themselves and support a growing community. She served PTAs in several officer positions for a period spanning 30 years and worked as a librarian at Dunn Elementary and at Gunn Junior High. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of The American Revolution, and was a charter member of the Arlington Woman's Club. Beth's passion for genealogy resulted in becoming an avid member of the Genealogy Society and authoring three books (Kendrick, Fitzgerald and Gunn families) that are registered with the Library of Congress. A member of First United Methodist Church for 63 years, she served as Sunday school teacher, Children's Choir director, a member of the choir and handbell groups, and a member of the Aldersgate Sunday School Class for over 50 years. An avid camper, traveler, game player and reader, Beth and Floyd enjoyed their many friends, neighbors and family and were known for welcoming others into their home and lives. A Texas Rangers fan, she helped cheer them into the World Series. Beth's favorite role was as "Nana" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved being with her. Beth was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Floyd, who is the namesake for Floyd M. Gunn Junior High School in Arlington. Survivors: She will be missed by her children, Stuart Harris (Pam), Diane Keoun (Craig), Bill Gunn (Mary) and Susan Gunn; grandchildren, Troy Wetherholt, Stuart Kent Harris Jr. (Pam), Steven Harris, Stefanie Krueger, Randy Harris, Sherri Harris, Pam Perkins, Valerie Norris (Chris), Bradley Keoun (Esther), Dianna Bryan (Chad) and William Gunn Jr.; and 16 great-grandchildren.