Mary Ann Iles

Mary Ann passed away Monday, June 19, 2023. She was born in Beaumont, Texas on August 20, 1926. Her parents were John M. Frank and Vada Bellard Frank.

She attended South Park Elementary where she met her husband to be, Reggie Iles in the third grade. She was a member of the South Park Simfonnettes, Glee Club, Dramatic Club, the South Park Singers, and the orchestra. They both graduated from South Park High School in 1943. Mary Ann was the Valedictorian of the class, scoring the highest scholastic average in the history of the school. She started playing the organ at the age of 17 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church.

She attended Southern Methodist University and North Texas State College receiving both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music, as well as a postgraduate certificate in music education. After Reggie finished service in the United States Navy, they were married on December 23, 1948. Mary Ann and Reggie had five children. She was the organist and music director at Calder Baptist Church. Later in life, she because a licensed real estate broker in the Beaumont area and was a member of the Beaumont Board of Realtors. Mary Ann and Reggie were married 69 years.

She is survived by her children, Blanchard Frank Iles; Carolyn Iles Hanak and her husband, Guido Hanak; Elizabeth Ann Iles; John Stuart Iles, and his wife, Robin Iles; daughter-in-law, Bobbi Gail Poulton Iles; four grandchildren, Reginald Iles Blakeley, and his wife, Katie Blakeley; Janice Blakeley Salmon and her husband, Taylor Salmon; Herman Reginald Iles, III and his wife, Mary Iles; and Kerri Nickole Iles; five great grandchildren, Caroline Grace Blakeley, William Douglas Blakeley, Colby Douglas Salmon and Pacey Hazlewood Salmon.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Herman Reginald Iles; parents, John M. Frank and Vada Frank; son, Herman Reginald Iles, II.

She was on staff as organist at Calder Baptist Church until her retirement in 2002 when she received organist emeritus status from the church. She also served as President of the Sabine District Dental Auxillary.

Gilbert Perez attended to Mary Ann and her home for over 30 years. His dedicated service to her was limitless. With him she was able to remain at home until her death.

The family extends a special gratitude to her caregivers: Jean Green, Tiffany Zachary Crosby, Tresheca Zachary, Natalie Arline and Vanessa Allen.

A gathering of Mrs. Iles’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11^th Street, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11^th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.