Elizabeth Withrow

Elizabeth Frances Huke Withrow, 99 years of age, died peaceably June 22, 2012, in the San Antonio, Texas area where she had been residing near family. Elizabeth was the first born to Fannie Belle Elizabeth Park (Mrs. E. H. Blunt) and Fred Emile Huke on October 19, 1912 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Elizabeth graduated from Mexia High School in 1928 and continued her education in1932 by being one of the first women to graduate from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Chemistry. She returned to Mexia where she taught science in the Mexia Schools from 1935 to 1942. After the loss of her beloved husband, Wilbur Clyde Withrow she returned to teaching in Mexia schools from 1955 to 1975. Elizabeth was very active in Mexia's community life and shared her love for nature with everyone by writing a weekly column entitled, "Through My Binoculars" published in the Mexia Daily News. Her articles described people and events in Mexia and surrounding areas with a focus on bird watching. Among her many awards and recognitions, she was named one of the Top Teachers of Texas in 1964; in 1967 named Woman of the Year by Business and Professional Women's Club of Mexia; in 1985 won the Carnegie Chemistry Award at SMU and was named 1986 Coming Home Queen at Mexia High School and as well as 2001 Distinguished Alumni Award. She was recognized by the North American Blue Bird Society in 2006 with a National Award for her contribution on the conservation of Blue Birds. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Elaine Withrow Williamson and son-in-law Michael M. Williamson of San Antonio; daughter, Charlotte Ann Withrow of Mexia; granddaughter, Mrs Kimberly Williamson Campise and her husband Anthony J. Campise, great grandsons Anthony J. Campise, Jr, and Joseph G. Campise of Dallas; granddaughter Mrs. Angela Williamson Sandford, husband Kevin Sandford and great granddaughter Hudson Elizabeth Sandford of Austin; grandson Christopher Williamson, his wife Angela and great grandson Tyler and other numerous other nieces, and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her siblings, Mrs Mildred H. Parker of Houston, Mrs Charlotte H. Martin of Oklahoma, Mrs Lewise B. Swingler of Waco, and Mr Lewis H Blunt of Mexia. Pallbearers will be Jim Parker, Jeff Parker, Jack Swingler, Tony Campise, Anthony Campise, Joseph Campise, Rick Martin and Christopher Williamson. Funeral services will be 11AM Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Mexia with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating. Burial will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Church, where she was a longtime active member.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 9:30am - 10:30am, First United Methodist Church

Service Information

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 11:00am, First United Methodist Church

Interment Details

Mexia Cemetery