Mary Bennett LaMaster Hixson

Alabaster

Mary Bennett LaMaster Hixson, age 87, of Alabaster, recently passed away at her home on July 22, 2012, following a lengthy illness. Always a devoted wife and mother, she was born to Orem LaMaster and Nancy Bartlett Tandy LaMaster in Eminence, Ky. on March 21, 1925. A graduate and member of Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Kentucky, Mary was an avid Wildcats basketball fan and always made time to cheer for her favorite team. In her younger years, Mary was a talented artist and served as president of three different chapters of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was also a very active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and, when younger, several Parent Teacher Associations and made the most of every opportunity to impact her community.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Roy Powell Hixson, born June 1924, who passed away on April 13, 2009. During their marriage, both were active members of their church community everywhere they lived, serving most currently at First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster. Prior to that, they were members of First Presbyterian Church of Gallatin, Tenn. and Mt. Sharon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tenn., as well as First Christian Church of Paris, Tenn., and Historic Presbyterian Church of Franklin, Tenn. and several others previously. Roy and Mary were long-term residents of Middle Tennessee and both enjoyed and were able to travel extensively during the course of their marriage. In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Adelia LaMaster Barnett (John).

Mary is survived by her sister, Jeanne LaMaster Gayle (Coby) of Frankfort, Ky.; her loving children, Ben (Pat) of Alabaster, Ted (Debbie) of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Carol Hixson of Flagstaff, Ariz.; her adoring grandchildren, Tyler Hixson (Irina) of Alabaster, Patricia Hixson Neumann (Kevin) of Alexandra, Va., Michelle Hixson of Tempe, Ariz., Jennifer Hixson Littlefield (Josh) of Gilbert, Ariz., Matt Hixson (Lauren) of Tucson, Ariz., Rachel Pemberton of Boston, Mass., Tandy Pemberton of Phoenix, Ariz., Mallory Blewitt Zaffino (Dan) of Woodbridge, Va., Kaylin Blewitt of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Alex Blewitt of Flagstaff, Ariz.; four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services are to be held at First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster on Aug. 12, 2012, at 3 p.m. Visitation will be on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, from 5:30-7 p.m. and again on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, from 2-3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster.

Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Mark Davenport. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the church in memoriam: First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster, 8828 U.S. Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007.