Mona Virginia Britton Plunk
A lifelong respected and admired resident of Silsbee, Mona Virginia Britton Plunk, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 98, in Elgin, Texas. Mrs. Plunk was the daughter of Necy and W.C. Britton. She was born on February 17, 1925, in the original family home on Fourth Street. In many ways, Mrs. Plunk became the historian of Fourth Street, where so many of the early families and business developers of Silsbee lived and prospered.
She was a fascinating storyteller of the early days of growing up among her friends and neighbors, swimming at Baby Galvez and going to Silsbee schools. Many of the boys in her graduating class of 1942, left school to join in WWII and for many years, she would gather her classmates together in reunion at her home. Mrs. Plunk was very much a part of the greatest generation, a pillar of strength and a force of character and strong of will. Many affectionately knew her as “Miss Mona.”
After her children, Britt and Mary, reached school age, Mrs. Plunk went to Lamar Tech, getting her degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career in First Grade at Kirby Elementary School. She had a passion and talent to teach and taught a generation of students the basics and love of reading while directing their “seat work” on their red Big Chief tablets with their jumbo yellow pencils. She had a gift for making her students feel special, loved, important, and successful. When schools had no music teachers, Mrs. Plunk was known to break into song at any moment during class time with “Wheels on the Bus” and “Bluebird Through My Window” for the delight of the boys and girls.
Mrs. Plunk devoted her time and talents to the children’s Sunday School ministry for many years at First United Methodist Church of Silsbee. Many memorable community events happened at the Britton Parlor, where she was instrumental in honoring her parent’s devotion to the church and community and their fondness of the Reverend Eugene Jonte. She was a guiding member of The Silsbee Literary Club and devoted time to their programs and projects. She taught the Adult Literacy program sponsored by the Literary Club and delighted when older adults learned reading skills they had not had the opportunity to learn as children. She was known for her Christmas parties where she would display her collection of Christmas Snow Village houses and serve her amazing Wassil.
She supervised and mentored over twenty student teachers through the Lamar University education degree plan. Because of her impressive teaching and leadership skills and strengths, she was honored by being named a Regent of Lamar University, having been sworn in by her son, The Honorable Judge Britton E. Plunk, a joyful experience for her as his mother. Having Mrs. Plunk as a supervising teacher changed the lives and careers of those she taught to teach. She challenged, mentored, and motivated others to give their best, leading by her example.
After Mrs. Plunk’s retirement from teaching, she became very focused on the daily management of Britton-Cravens Lumber Company and building the cattle business on Britton Farm. From the days of her childhood, her father had spent countless time developing her business sense as he modeled the traits of a good businessman. She never lost her devotion to her parents and making them proud of her. After the closing of the lumber yard, her daily routine of driving to the Silsbee Post Office, then to Brookshire Brothers for their lunch special, brought her joy in talking to the Silsbee residents and hearing the details of their lives.
She was very involved in the Resthaven Cemetery Care Association. Mrs. Plunk loved the years spent at her Bolivar beach house. The beach fed her soul and many delighted in an invitation to join her for great food, great company, and hours of giggling with Minnie Trotti, her longtime family housekeeper.
Mrs. Plunk had a long exemplary life, well lived. As the years passed on for her and her health began to decline, she was saddened that so many friends and family had passed on long before and she found comfort in telling stories of them all.
Mrs. Plunk is preceded in death by her parents, Necy and W.C. Britton; her husband, Eddie R. Plunk; her brother, Perry Britton and his wife, Lou; and her beloved son, The Honorable Judge Britt Plunk. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Plunk; her daughter-in-law, Jan Ford Plunk; granddaughter, Catherine Plunk Mauer and her husband, Patrick; and her great-grandchildren, Britt Mauer, Carolina Mauer, and Marina Mauer.
A gathering of Mrs. Plunk’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas. Her graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, at Resthaven Cemetery, 685 South 3rd Street, Silsbee, Texas.
One of Mrs. Plunk’s favorite scriptures is Matthew 19:14…Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
For those wishing to honor Mrs. Plunk, memorial donations can be made to the Resthaven Cemetery Care Association, P.O. Box 805, Silsbee, Texas 77656, First United Methodist Church, 670 North 5th Street, Silsbee, Texas 77656, or to a charity of your choice.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- October 5, 2023
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Graveside Service
Rest Haven Cemetery-Silsbee
- , S 3rd St, Silsbee, TX, 77656,
- October 6, 2023
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Rest Haven Cemetery-Silsbee
- , S 3rd St, Silsbee, TX, 77656,
- October 6, 2023
- 2:00 pm
Miss Mona was definitely an icon of Silsbee. I knew her as an adult. I went to work at Silsbee State Bank in 1980 & Miss Mona was on our Board of Directors. Every time she came in the bank for whatever reason, she walked through and spoke to all the 1st floor employees. She was very personable and I adored her. After 25 years at the bank, I went to work for Farmer Funeral Home & I dealt with her for burials in Resthaven Cemetery. She knew that cemetery from front to back & side to side. Sometimes I had questions on wheee a grave was located & she worked hard explaining it to me. Then she would say “Baby you just come on down & I’ll show you just where it is located.” She was my brother Mike’s teacher, I thought in 2nd grade. Every report card had a sweet little note about Mike’s shenanigans!
Miss Mona, this devoted friend will miss you terribly. Mary, Jan & families I’m so very sorry for your loss. I will be keeping y’all in my thoughts and prayers. Miss Mona was one of the most special ladies I’ve ever known. She will be missed!
Mary, I was so sorry to hear of your loss…thinking of you
May the peace of the lord be with the Plunk family.
My favorite memory of Mona is when my Uncle Jeff Munro passed away, she and my dad Richard “Dick” Munro sat together at the service and held hands. My Dad would frequently tell us that Mona was his favorite cousin. If I recall correctly Mona may have spent some summers in Beaumont while she and dad were growing up.
My dad always said, Mona was my favorite first cousin!
With Sympathy,
Bill Munro, son of Richard E. “Dick” Munro
Such a Icon to Sisbee and Hardin County. Came back to Silsbee in 75 as a Teacher/Coach. She told me if I needed anything just let her know and I did.
My mother Wanda Zenota (Zoe) Marshall Withers were in the same class. Conley Bradshaw, Pete Farmer, Henrietta (Chick) Hughes and many more that grew up together. Mother always made her trip back to Silbee for Miss Mona’s class reunions out at the farm. What a Great Generation and what a Great class reunion the class of 42 can have now.
I am so sorry for you loss of Ms Mona. She was so kind, sweet, encouraging and always generous. I am a better person for having known her. She will always be with us through our acts, words and deeds. May God give all of you comfort and strength as you mourn her.
Miss Mona should be remembered as one of the members who started All Faiths Day School at the Methodist Church. She loved little children. She will be missed.
Prayers for her and her family.
I met Mona when I moved to Silsbee to be appointed Postmaster. She was a remarkable woman with a great sense of humor . She and her life long friend Henretta were a joy . She was Silsbee.!
She now laughs with the angels.
Miss Mona was my second mom. Worked for her for almost 8 years. Best woman Silsbee ever had. So sorry for the loss and prayers for the family. Love all them.
What a tribute for such a lady. I never met her but I knew her son Brit and daughter -in -law Jan. What a Blessing she and Brit was to Silsbee, Sorry for your loss.
My mom, Henrietta McDonald , was a lifelong friend of Mona, from about the age of toddler years. So many fun stories of their years growing up in Silsbee. They dearly loved their parents, Silsbee High School. and their class. When my parents retired in Silsbee it was delightful to listen to their daily stories of living life to the fullest. Mona shared her time, love and generous support with the community and people she loved. Oh, how I will miss her visits and her strength for whatever came into her life. Her children were successful in their careers and love for their family. Rest well Mona, His good and faithful servant! , love Becky Hughes Martin
Mrs. Mona was my BONUS GRANDMA I had pleasure of taking care of her for the last three years until July 5 ,2023 when I took her to Elgin, to be with her daughter it was truly a blessing to be under such an humble caring woman one who was a God fearing lady. I will cherish our memories forever especially when we went to get ice cream and her favorite food dumplings . I love you grandma from your bonus granddaughter Donna
Will miss her dearly. My condolences sister of LaDonna Westbrook
Mary and children, your mother was a true blessing to all that knew her. Britt and I went to school together and graduated in 1965. I knew your family and am so sorry as losing your mother is so hard. Praying that God gives you peace and that your sorrow will be replaced with wonderful memories soon.