Myra Jean Timmons

Myra Bownds Timmons, a beloved mother, educator and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully at home with her family surrounding her on January 31, 2025, at the age of 95 years and 8 months. Born on May 12, 1929, in Ralls, Texas, Myra spent her formative years in the Ralls area during the Great Depression, where she cultivated a simple yet fulfilling childhood surrounded by love. She graduated from Ralls High School in 1946. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1950 with her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. In 1966, she received her Master's Degree from Texas Tech University. Myra was an Associate Professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences for almost 41 years, sharing her passion and expertise with countless students at Texas Tech University from 1961 to 2002. She was also an adjunct professor at Oregon State University (1969, 1972) and University of Rhode Island (1974).
On August 12, 1950, Myra married Elvin Wayne Timmons in Ralls, Texas. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. She was a devoted member of the 2nd Baptist Church and actively participated in the Downtown Bible Class. In her later years, Myra attended and then live-streamed Southcrest Baptist Church with her granddaughter, Michelle. She knew her Lord and Savior.
Myra took her first teaching job in Anton, Texas, in 1955. She and Wayne eventually moved back to Lubbock permanently where they made a home and raised a family. Myra was the first Home Economics teacher at Monterey High School.
Her talents extended beyond the classroom; Myra was known as a gifted seamstress and a people person who thrived in the company of family, friends, and even strangers. She was just as comfortable and classy attending an upscale style show for a clothing line opening in Atlanta, GA, or Manhattan, NY, as she was putting a worm on her hook at her daddy's catfish tank in Ralls, TX. Her warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be greatly missed.
Myra is survived by her son, Phil Timmons and his wife Debra Hagens-Timmons; her sister, Patsy Sue Bownds-Bates and many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and one great-grandchild...all of whom will carry her memory forward.
Myra was the glue that held the Poteet Family Reunion together for many years. That yearly event was a very, very important part of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Myra's memory to the College of Health and Human Sciences at Texas Tech University under the Mary Margaret Timmons-Rose Scholarship Fund.
The family would like to give special recognition to Myra's "Ladies" who gave her so much comfort, care, companionship, and love - Hilda Gonzalez, Nicole Devroe, and Sandy Martinez. Ladies, Myra loved you very much and she will be waiting for you.
Myra was preceded in death by: her husband, Elvin Wayne Timmons; her parents, Lester and Inda Poteet-Bownds; her daughter, Mary Margaret Timmons-Rose; her brothers, Lester Winfred Bownds and Sammie Wendel Bownds; and her sister, Peggy Bownds-Campbell.
Services in her honor will be held with a visitation to take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sanders Memorial Chapel, where family, friends, and members of the community will gather to celebrate Myra's remarkable life. She will be laid to rest at the Ralls Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of family, love, teaching, and community spirit.
Following the graveside services, lunch will be provided at the Lone Star Cowboy Church, 1309 FM 1585 (CR 7400), Lubbock, TX, 79423. Please join with the family there to share stories and fellowship. All are welcome.