Obituary of Mary Jane Crissey

Crissey, Mary Jane (Davis) affectionately known as "Memaw", 89, Marshall, TX; formally of Dallas, TX. Passed away October 23, 2013 in Marshall, TX. Mary Jane was born December 18, 1923 in New Florence, PA, the daughter of the late Dr. Walter Clark Davis, (who was the Superintendent of Johnstown Schools before his retirement) and Sarah (Igo) Davis. Also preceded in death by husband of 54 years Jackson Robert Crissey, Sr. An 1940 graduate of Johnstown High School Mary Jane went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and then later achieved a Master's Degree in Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University. Mary Jane enjoyed sharing her knowledge and had a lucrative teaching career. She started her career at the Johnstown schools were she taught math for 4 years. Later in her career she taught Calculus and Algebra at Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, TX, were for many years she held the title of Math Department, Head and was awarded Teacher of the Year. In December of 1945 Mary Jane married Jackson Robert Crissey, Sr., a union that spanned 54 years until Jackson's death in January of 2000. In the early days of their marriage, Mary Jane and Jack lived in Boston, MA and Connecticut before settling in Dallas, Texas. She moved to Marshall, Texas in 2003 to be closer to family and lived at Reunion Inn for many years before moving to Heritage House. Mary Jane was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday school for several years. She was a member of Vaught Engineers Wives Club and Kappa Alpha Theta. She was an avid tennis player and bridge player. She participated in many book clubs and actively volunteered in the community. Despite all these accomplishments in her life, Mary Jane was most proud of her family, sons Jackson Robert Crissey, Jr. and David Clark Crissey and his wife Helen. She is also survived by six loving grandchildren, Sam, Kelly, Erin, Dustin, Stormi and Katie. Mary Jane Crissey has touch and influenced many people in her life all of whom will love and miss her greatly. At Mary Jane's request there will be no services. Donations in Mary Jane's memory may be made to: The Stewpot, 1822 Young St., Dallas, TX 75201