Marie Ballard

Eva Marie Ballard was born June 19, 1919 to Tom and Panuca Spero. She attended Terrell schools, graduating with the class of 1937. Marie attended St. Paul School of Nursing and upon graduating in 1941, joined the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. During this time she married Ershall Ballard. She returned to Terrell and worked at Alexander Hospital. She became a nurse at Terrell State Hospital in 1951. In 1958 she went to San Antonio to attend Incarnate Word and received a bachelor of science in nursing. She later earned her masters degree with a specialty in psychiatric nursing and mental health from Texas Womens University. Marie became director of nursing at Terrell State Hospital and remained in that position until her retirement in 1983. Marie was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd where she served as Director of the Altar Guild, youth sponsor and a member of the vestry at various times. Marie was well-known for her volunteerism. She worked with the American Red Cross, recognized in 1984 as one of Dallas County’s top 10 volunteers, the Kaufman County Unit of the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, The Visiting Nurses Association and Charter member and past president of the Terrell Pilot Club. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 30 years and often expressed her love for this organization. Marie also played several lead roles while working with the Kaufman County Community Theatre and was a long-time member of Terrell State Hospital’s Volunteer Council. Marie was a past recipient of the Terrell Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Year Award”. The Nell Isbell Memorial Student addition to Terrell State Hospital’s All Faith Chapel was dedicated to Marie in 1981. The hospital also presents an annual award in her name to staff demonstrating outstanding nursing leadership. In 2000, Marie was selected as a recipient of the Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards. Marie is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Tom Spero and niece Vanessa Spero. She is survived by her nephew, Mike Spero and wife Karen; sister-in-law Juanita Spero; cousins: Norie Reagan Oakley and husband Keith and their sons, Garrett and Connor; Ron Reagan; Tona Cacas Moore and her daughters Candice Boswell and Loren Moore, Clay Cacas and his daughters Casi Windfred and Carli Cacas, Nick Georges and wife Betty Ann as well as her dear friends: Glen and Pat Hall, Catherine Paige, and Gloria Gray; Goddaughter, Marie Hagerstrand along with many other dear family members and a host of friends. The family would like to extend their thanks for the loving care provided by Colonial Lodge, Always Accurate Nursing and Hospice, Golden Gate Nursing and to special caregivers: Vera Conner, Karen Edwards, Sheila Young, Dorothy Crow, Leona Harwell, Rosa Herrera and Merita Harper. Visitation will be Sunday, November 6 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations. Funeral Service will be held Monday, November 7, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 200 College St., Terrell. In recognition of Marie’s dedication to the church, she will be placed in state in the church’s sanctuary beginning at 2:00pm to service time. Interment will follow the funeral service at Oakland Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Meals on Wheels or the charity of your choice.

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Marie Ballard

June 19, 1919 - November 4, 2016