Mary Jane Royal

Mary was born in the old Memorial Hospital in downtown Houston on September 19, 1934 to Mary B and Al Pyburn.  She died August 28, 2021 in Houston at age 86 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Mary spent her early years in the Almeda area south of Houston.  She graduated from San Jacinto high school in 1952 and attended Texas A & I Univ. 1952-1955 where she met her husband Charles.  Since Charles was graduating in January 1955 and scheduled to report for army service in February, Mary asked her dad if she could leave school and get married if she promised to get her degree later.  He agreed and she kept that promise when she graduated from the University of Houston in 1977 as her children were headed to college.

Mary and Charles were married on February 12, 1955 resulting in 66+ years of a loving relationship.

The family returned to Houston in 1959 where they have resided ever since. Mary did substitute teaching while the children were in school.  Later Mary became very active in the Assistance League of  Houston where she served in several roles including president.  Mary and Charles were long time members of the Goodwill Class at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.

Mary is survived by husband Charles Royal, son Chuck Royal and wife Debbie, daughter Dana Gill and husband Paul, grandsons Zachary Royal, Ryan Gill and wife Whitney, Travis Gill and fiance Ashley Albert and great grandson Charlie Gill.  She is also survived by sister Dorothy Chesser and her children Brad and Susan.

A private family burial service at Houston National Cemetery was held on September 2, 2021.

A Memorial Service for Mary will be held at 2:00 PM on September 10, 2021 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027. Reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Service will be livestreamed; https://www.stlukesmethodist.org/memorial-livestream-2/