Mary Alexia (Murphy) Faulkner passed away July 31, 2024 at her home in Plano, Texas at the age of 104. She was born on February 13, 1920 in Winkler, Texas to parents James Luther Murphy and Sarah Ruthie (Jones) Murphy. She was one of nine children.
While working at a state hospital in San Antonio, Mary met a soldier based at Fort Sam Houston, Louie Leonard Faulkner. They were married on February 7, 1941 in Mexia, Texas. Their son was born in December 1941 and their daughter arrived in June 1945. They were Army brats until 1960 when their father retired.
As a farm girl, Mary probably never imagined the course her life would take, but she was able to adapt and thrive as an Army wife. She soon experienced a new social life, the challenges of sudden relocations, and transport-trains, planes, and ships. She lived in foreign countries – Japan and Bolivia. For the past 59 years, Mary has resided in Plano, Texas.
Mary had more than one identity. Among her military family she was known as “Pat”. To her relatives, she was “Alexia”. To all her Plano acquaintances, she was “Mary”. To her children, she was just “mom”.
Mary lost her loving husband of 28 years in 1969 after a long illness. She is preceded in death by her parents; six brothers and sisters.
Mary is survived by her son, Charles L. Faulkner; daughter, Carol L. Faulkner; sister, Atrelle White; brother, Donald Murphy and wife, Gloria; many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral home at their convenience on Monday to pay their respects and to sign the register book.
Mary's family wishes to thank the members of the Visiting Nurses Association - especially Kacy Thomas - for their support during Mary's final weeks under hospice care.