Mary Belle Bednorz

Mary Belle Bednorz, 76, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023.  She was born on November 7, 1946, the fourth child of Phillip and Inez Gibson.  She married Don Bednorz on August 21. 1965.

Mary Belle retired from Panhandle Independent School District in May of 2007 after a career of 20 years as a paraprofessional and secretary.

Mary Belle served on the Parish Councils of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Amarillo, Texas and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Panhandle, Texas.  She held a Life Membership in the Panhandle PTA.  Mary Belle was a member of St. Theresa’s Christian Mothers, Classroom Teacher’s Association, REAPS (Retired Educators Association of Panhandle Schools).

Mary Belle enjoyed making prayer shawls and prayer blankets for people who had health problems.

Mary Belle is preceded in death by her husband, Don; parents, Philip and Inez Gibson; stepmother, Onie Gibson; brother, Alan Gibson; and sister, Almeda Patton.

Mary Belle is survived by her daughter, Kristi Caldwell (Greg) of Nacogdoches, Texas; her son, Matthew Bednorz (Jamie) of Tucumcari, New Mexico; grandchildren, Emily Gavin of San Antonio, Texas, Alyssa Caldwell of Jersey City, Grant Caldwell, Cole Caldwell both of Nacogdoches, Texas, Addison Bednorz, Daniel Bednorz both of Tucumcari, New Mexico; brother, Darrel Gibson of Pampa, Texas; and sister, Diane Gibson of Amarillo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Panhandle Cemetery under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle.  The rosary will be recited beginning at 6 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.  In lieu of flowers, Mary Bell requested that a donation be made to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Building Fund, PO Box 366, Panhandle, Texas, 79068 or HUGS of JOY, PO Box 1325, Panhandle, Texas, 79068.