Abbie Mozell Wilbanks

Abbie Mozell Wilbanks, age 90, of Ballinger passed away Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Ballinger, Texas.

She was born August 30, 1921 to Cleveland and Annie May (Green) McMillan in Coleman County, about four miles northwest of Rockwood, in a little two-room house. She completed high school in Doole, Texas.

Mozell married Lloyd Allen Wilbanks, Sr. on February 27, 1941 in San Angelo, Texas.
Lloyd and Mozell ranched in Doole until they moved their operation to Bethel Community, Runnels County on December 6. 1945. She continued their ranching operation after Lloyd’s death in 1963 and was assisted by their faithful foreman and long-time friend, Nick Picon.

After moving to Ballinger from Bethel Community, Mozell served three terms on the Ballinger Independent School District school board, from 1966-1974. She was the first female member of the board. During her tenure on the school board, the current high school was built, and she was proud to have been a part of that accomplishment; she was a true Bearcat fan.

Mozell loved her family and her circle of friends, and in later life she particularly enjoyed her button club. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Winters Chapter #80. After the Bethel Baptist Church disbanded, Mozell joined First Baptist Church in Ballinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; her son, Lloyd Allen Wilbanks, Jr.; a son-in-law, Grider Hays; and a sister, Florene Vickers.

Mozell is survived by her devoted daughters, Dixie Duke and husband, Carroll, of San Angelo; Ann Hays Jennings and husband, Ed, also of San Angelo; and Kay Parker and husband, Chester, of Corsicana; grandchildren, Rhonda Turpin and husband Dennis; Greg Duke and wife, Kelly; Kevin Duke, and wife, Jeanne; Kelly Ernst and husband, Jeff; Travis Parker, and Mason Parker; as well as 10 great-grandchildren. Mozell is also survived by a brother, Leroy McMillan and wife, Virginia, of Lubbock; and a sister, Margie Curry and husband, Bill, of Kingsland.

Visitation was Monday, November, 7 at 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Pastor Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.

The family extends special thanks to the wonderfully skilled staffs of Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center and Vista Care Hospice of San Angelo for the tender and loving care they provided.