Azell Brunson

Surrounded by family and friends, Azell Brunson, 94, of Ballinger, died in the local hospital on Saturday, July 7, 2012, following a brief illness. One of four children, Azell was born on Jan. 28, 1918, to W.K. and Rose Greenwell in Ballinger, Texas. She married A.W. "Salty" Brunson on Dec. 27, 1935, and together the couple created a lifetime centered on family, church, hard work, community and service in Ballinger until the death of Salty in May 2001. During the past ten years she primarily lived at Lake Ivey with her devoted son Jerry.

The Brunsons had eight children in a home filled with laughter, love, an open door, and an abundant kitchen. Always a room mother for school activities, Azell was a scout leader, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the social committee for the First Baptist Church. Noted for her kindness and her ability to set as many extra plates as needed for unexpected guests at meals, she was legend for her patience and laughter, and for her magical way of making others feel like honored visitors. Her heart expanded for the nieces and nephews who were as treasured and loved as her own children. The Brunson home buzzed with arts, crafts, games, music, sports, and activities for young people of all ages with a focus on decorating and celebrating of all holiday seasons.


Azell's physical beauty, giving spirit, laughter, and personal dignity were matched only by the joy and enthusiasm she discovered in the magic of grandchildren. Her first grandchild renamed her, and she answered to Mamie for the remainder of her life. Her joys and laughter grew as great grandchildren arrived to become the targets for her magic. Not surprisingly, the love she gave was returned tenfold by her neighbors, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

She died as she had lived. Mamie's heart and her hands were held nonstop through her final breath. Here lived a grand lady, a wife, a mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and committed Christian, now set free to seek her wings.

She was preceded in death by sons, Lanny and Stephen, her parents, her husband, her sister, Sybil Lovelace, two brothers, Rene and Dalton Greenwell, and son-in-law, Dick Reeder.

Mamie is survived by her son Kirk and wife Barbara of Weatherford; daughter Margo Reeder of Ballinger; son Jerry and wife Diane of Richardson; son Glenn and wife Jolene of Midland; daughter-in-law Joann Brunson of Ballinger; son Tommy and wife Tina of Coppell; and daughter Shari Buchanan and husband Philip of Midland.


She is also survived by her grandchildren and their children: Teresa and Brad Craine of Aledo and their children Ashley, Lauren, and Holly; Kevin and Barbie Brunson of Aledo and their children Alexandra and Nichlas; Tony and Lori Reeder of Anna and their children Aubrey, Noah, and Abigail; Tom and Darla Reeder of Nasik, India, and their children Taylor, Jacob, Jimmy, and Jonah; Karen and Brad Fava of Rowlett and their children, Brandon and Kamryan; Tracy Brunson of Midland and his children, Jared, Garrett, and Caleb; Amy Hopkins of Midland and her children, Ryan, Jaclyn, and Josh; Jonathan and Krista Brunson of Lubbock and children Brinley and Kasen; Stephanie Brunson of San Angelo; Tim Brunson and fiance Tamra Mintner of Lampassas, and his children Colton, Jaden, and Kyleigh; Will and Renee Brunson of Los Angeles; Angela and Wade Ebel of. Flower Mound and their children Madison and Zachary; Rebecca and Kevin Lessley of Flower Mound and their children Halie and Hannah, Sarah and Will Rucker of Malaysia; and Scott and Courtney Sykes and son Beau of Austin. Also surviving are special nieces Jane Floyd and Karen Greenwell, and nephews Randall Lovelace and Jimmy Greenwell.

She is also survived by Faye and Albert Sheldon of San Angelo, Jack Brunson of San Angelo, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children, along with treasured friends Aubrey and Patsy Faubion, and Pete and Ginger Bryan all of Ballinger.
Pallbearers include Kevin, Tim, Will, and Tracy Brunson, Jimmy Greenwell, and Scott Sykes. Honorary Pallbearers include Randall Lovelace, Brad Craine, Brad Fava, Wade Ebel, Kevin Lessley, Will Rucker, and Aubrey Faubion.

Visitation is set for Monday evening, July 9 from 6-7 P.M. at Lange Funeral Home, with services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 10 at the First Baptist Church of Ballinger with Rev. Bobby Broyles and Max Pratt officiating, and Jamie Rouse as soloist.

The family shares profound gratitude for the loving care provided to Mamie by the Ballinger Home Health Care professionals, and Dr. Martinez, and the patient, kind, and attentive staff of Ballinger Memorial Hospital.