Mary Squyres

Mary Squyres, age 74, died peacefully at Houston Hospice on Saturday, the 9th of February 2013.
Mary was born on the 28th of March 1938, to William and Jeanette La Croix Clay in Jasper, Texas. She was raised in Newton, Texas, by grandparents, Dr. Gideon Graham and Eunice Woods Graham, from whom she got her razor sharp wit. She attended Newton Elementary and learned to play the piano. Mary attended San Marcos Baptist Academy and Lamar University. She began her career in banking as a secretary at the First National Bank of Jasper. She made life long friends there, enjoyed bridge and learned to fly. In 1967 she made a brave move to Houston and put down roots near Buffalo Bayou. She began working as an executive secretary at Texas Commerce Bank. In 1969 she moved to River Oaks Bank and Trust Company where she had a successful career for 34 years, first as an executive secretary and later as Vice President of Lobby Services. She seemed to know everyone and never forgot a name. She was always willing to share her wisdom with others and contributed to the success of her peers. At River Oaks Bank she made lifelong friends including co-workers and customers. Her professionalism was colorfully tempered by her independent spirit and inclination to speak her mind with humor and irreverence. When she retired from banking in 2003 she devoted herself to the pleasures of being a grandmother. In 2006 Mary found a special calling when she began volunteering at the Seniors Place, an organization that provides fellowship to adults with memory loss. Her professional skills and knowledge became an asset for the organization and she was asked to join the staff. In 2009 Mary submitted the name that became the organizations' new identity, Amazing Place. She continued to work there until December 2012. At the Amazing Place, Mary established new friendships, renewed old friendships and enjoyed the fulfillment that comes from contributing to the success of an organization serving others.
Mary is predeceased by her parents Jeanette and Guy Dority and aunt Camille Hughes. She is survived by daughter Sarah Squyres Balinskas, granddaughter Emilia Balinskas, son in law Jeff DeBevec, uncle Edward Hughes, and family, Kay and Paul Cunningham, Paul and Michelle Cunningham, Rebecca and Jeffrey Wilson, and Kathy Cunningham.
A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock this morning, Saturday, the 16th of February, at The Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel Drive in Houston, where Dr. Linda Christians, Executive Pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, is to officiate.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception, also to be held at The Amazing Place.
In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, memorial contributions may be directed to The Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel Dr., Houston, TX, 77027.