Mary Kiser

Mary Nell (Carlile) Kiser of Fritch, TX went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 4, 2022. By her side at the time of passing were her husband of 17 years, Larry Kiser of Fritch, her daughter, Jessica (Jones) Morris, and Jessica’s children, Melody Scott and Randy Ray Payne, all of Borger, TX.

Waiting for Mary Nell in Heaven were many loving family members who preceded her in death, including her first husband, Robert Lawson Jones, whom she married on August 5, 1967 and fathered her children—Jessica SuAnne Morris and Robert (Robby) Lawson Jones, Jr. Robby, whose April 2021 passing still weighed heavily on her heart, was also there to greet her, as was his son Robert Lawson Jones III. Others greeting her home were her parents, Haskell and Rose Carlile; her maternal grandparents Ed and Naomi Gilbert; her paternal grandparents Leonard and Euna Mae Carlile. Euna Mae bequeathed the Carlile family’s pride in their Chickasaw heritage. Che pisa la cho, dear sister. Upon passing, Mary Nell met her infant brother, Calvin Ernest Carlile, for the first time. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends also greeted her, as did her second husband, Carl Wayne Woods.

Mary Nell was a very warm-hearted, outgoing person who had a passion for dancing, spending time with friends and family, and bringing joy and laughter to this world. She was also an outstanding cosmetologist who taught many students the art of hairdressing. She guided them to be not only great professionals but also engaged community citizens. She encouraged volunteer work and her classes participated in many charitable activities. Mary Nell led by example and was named Hutchinson County’s Woman of the Year in 1997. During her many years as a professional, she worked at several salons and taught at four colleges. She was director at Frank Phillips College in Borger, taught at the Milan Institute in Amarillo, and became director of the Cosmetology program at three Clarendon College campuses in Pampa, Childress, and Amarillo.

Mary Nell was a member of the Lone Star Styles Committee and former President of the Texas Cosmetology Association. She was heavily involved with many organizations for the promotion and educational safety for cosmetology and won numerous awards recognizing her efforts.

Mary Nell touched many lives. She was well-loved not only by her students and colleagues but also many friends. Some of those friendships were made on her 13th birthday in 1962 when she was welcomed into her new neighborhood of Rock Creek in Borger. The Rock Creek Girls became life-long friends and loved and supported one another through many good times and especially the hard ones. Mary Nell cherished them all, as she did her beloved friend of her soul, Kathy McMillian of LaGrange, TX.

Although she did not move to Turkey, TX until her sophomore year of high school, Mary Nell soon came to love the town and its people. She always thought of it as her “hometown” and was actually wearing a Turkey, TX t-shirt when she passed away. She was a very proud member of the Class of 1967.

Family meant everything to Mary Nell, and she will be sorely missed by all. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Jessica; her granddaughter Melody RaeAnn Scott and husband Anthony, their children: Braiden, Phynix Rose, and Axel; her grandson Randy Ray Payne and his wife Zeljka and their son Everett Ray who will be born in November; her loving husband, Larry Kiser; her step-daughters Kimberly Williams and family, Natalie Jones and family, and Alicia Drake and husband Tanner; and step-grandchildren Allison, Tanner, and Emily Wade and Hunter and Kendell Drake. Mary Nell was an avid supporter of their sports teams cheering loudly at their softball and baseball games.

Mary Nell is also survived by her siblings, Nita Sanchez and life-partner Fred Yelton of Amarillo, TX; Leonard Carlile and wife Gloria of Amarillo; and Doris King and husband Dennis of Pampa. She was the adored aunt of Sandy Sanchez, Sonia Luna, Tiffany Carlile, Devin King, and Serenity Rose King, and their respective families.

Mary Nell is also survived by three half sisters--Patricia Collins, Tina Kay McKenzie, and Sissy Bundick--and step-sister Theresa Lauver and their respective families.

Services will be held on Friday, July 22, at one o’clock at the Unity Baptist Church (726 W. 10th Street) in Borger with Pastor Bruce Ridling officiating.