My grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Whillock, had a huge influence on countless people across local counties, and she made lasting relationships with the teachers and coaches she worked with and the many generations of students she taught and coached. 10/17/1937-9/19/2025. She passed in her sleep Friday morning, not even a full week after I visited.

She may not have been teaching anymore when I was born, and I may not have known her very well, but I know she was an amazing soul that touched many people’s hearts at Avery ISD. She always wanted a hug from me, so I would give her a big hug, and she’d always call me her boy. She loved horses, cattle, the small town vibes, people, and eating Nutty Buddy's.

When my mom, Molly Elizabeth Whillock, and I drove her to Focused Care in Mt. Pleasant, all we were hoping for was a little break from the stress of dealing with Alzheimer’s. The last thing my mom or my grandmother would have wanted is to be neglected and treated like a burden in a miserable facility.

For my mom, it has been one thing after another, and she is ill-prepared for a funeral or memorial services. I am devastated and it eats at me that I am 9 hours away from home and cannot take time off work even if I were to get time off school; we simply are not financially set up for something like this.

Please share with your friends, family, or colleagues. anything helps. Anything raised will go directly to Mary’s daughter, my mom, Molly, who has always been the best daughter and caretaker for my grandmother.