Mary Dixon Craigmiles

Mary Dixon Craigmiles, 93, of Beaumont, died Sunday, October 15, 2017. She was born in Whigham, Georgia, on May 2, 1924, to B.E. and Mary Jordan Dixon.

Mary was salutatorian at Climax Georgia High School and graduated from Georgia Southwestern College. On December 12, 1948, she married Julian Craigmiles. She obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Georgia State University and taught in the public schools in Griffin before moving to Beaumont in 1964.

She and her husband were active members of the Methodist Church all her life and was a dedicated Christian. Since 1964, Mary has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served faithfully in Sunday School, alter guild, UMW, a member of the administrative council and served on many of the church’s committees and activities.

She was a member of the DAR and past president of the Beaumont Texas A&M Mother’s Club. In 1995, she obtained a Master’s degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University and taught for a while in the public schools of Beaumont.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother and friend. Her family was very dear to her and she gave complete support to her husband, children and church. She was an exceptional homemaker, who especially loved her flowers, her family and her Lord.

Survivors include her children, Julian Pryor Craigmiles, Jr. of Monroe, Louisiana; Mary C. Robinson and her husband, John, of West Monroe, Louisiana; and Lee Dixon Craigmiles of Beaumont; grandchildren, Erik Etzel and his wife, Jennifer, of West Monroe, Louisiana; Sarah Baur and her husband, Harold, of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Emily DeJarnette and her husband, Dan, of Monroe, Louisiana; and great-grandchildren, Annabeth Etzel, Alex Etzel, Caroline Baur, Addison Baur, Pruett DeJarnette, and Layla Beth DeJarnette.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Julian Craigmiles; brothers, Alfred Dixon and Hunter Dixon; and sister, Martha Helton.

A gathering of Mrs. Craigmiles’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 22, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2017, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706; or to The ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005.