My Mother's Heart is Like a Rose LbNA #76930

Near the small community of Lafayette, between Gilmer and Pittsburg, Texas is the Farm to Market Road 1975.

The Pleasant grove cemetery is located on the south side of the FMR 1975.

Directions Driving from Gilmer on Hiway 271, turn east on 593 in Midway, Texas and then 1975 in Ewell. There is the United Methodist Church at this corner. Turn north on 1975 and go about 3 miles until you reach the Pleasant Grove Cemetery on your right.

Either Park outside of the gated fence, or drive through and park near the newly constructed pavilion.

Information about my Mom ~

My Mother’s Heart is like A Rose

Here is a summary of my mom’s life – much like a Rose. A sweet spirit and fragrance.

Frances Mae Helms Marr went to be with her Lord on February 25, 2024. She was born on January 20, 1929 in the country farm house near Pittsburg, Texas. She was the only child to Odis and Polly Helms and frequently lamented that she had no siblings.

Some of her early memories include working in the cotton fields, Sunday morning church and playing with cousins. One memorable school bus ride was on her 13th birthday, when she met our dad, John Marr, which began a growing friendship including group dates to the local movie-house on the square. At Union Ridge High School she was captain of the volleyball team and in 1947 graduated as valedictorian of her class.

After graduation, Mom worked at an insurance agency in downtown Dallas, which meant she had to ride the electric trolley car 20 minutes each way. Mom and Dad continued to date and she worked to save up money for the future. Two years after graduation, Dad said “Let’s get married.” A few weeks later, on May 28, 1949, they were married at the preacher’s house. They honeymooned in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Dad was drafted into the Army and they were stationed in Hawaii during the Korean conflict. Mom loved living in Hawaii and enjoyed days on the beach and making new friends. They returned to Dallas and purchased their first home in the East Dallas. While living there, all 4 children, Ricky, Judy, Ronnie and Sherrie were born at Baylor Hospital. Later they settled into the “9511 house” in Lake Highlands community for 53 years and most recently moved to Juliet Fowler Communities in the Lakewood area.

Mom had a special love for each of her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. She was called on frequently for last minute baby-sitting opportunities. Mom was Room Mother, Choir chaperon, 1970’s station-wagon car pool driver, Awana listener and genuine neighborhood friend. She loved going shopping for each of the grandchildren. Mom even potty-trained all 3 of Judy’s children. She was the BEST COOK EVER. She was famous for her chicken-n-dumplings, peanut brittle, canned pickle relish and Pile-up Dinner. She frequently would bake banana bread or coconut crisp cookies and give them to friends, family and shut-ins.

In 1968, Mom began taking us to the weekly Children’s Bible Club taught by Mrs. Rankin. At that time she fully embraced the true salvation story and Jesus’ death on the cross. She attended Women’s Bible Study faithfully for years and encouraged us children in BMA (Bible Memory Association).

Both Mom and Dad would travel to baseball, football and basketball games that each of the children participated in. Along with Dad, she traveled to see grandchildren in college and Sherrie’s family in KS, FL, and CO plus Judy’s family in Bolivia and Guatemala. Returning to Hawaii for a 2 week visit after 50 years was extra special.

Mom will be greatly missed by those who survive her: her husband of nearly 75 years, John Marr, her children, Rick (and Beverly) Marr of Dallas, TX, (Glenn and) Judy Stewart of Tyler, TX, Ronnie (and Kelly) Marr of Sherman, TX and (Steve and) Sherrie Marshall of Houston, TX. Also her 12 grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren and countless extended family and friends whose lives she touched through many, many years.

Until the end of her life, Mom always had a smile on her face. We as a family grieve because we miss her humor and sweet encouraging and loving presence with us: however, we rejoice with confidence that Mom is in the presence of our Lord and Savior forever.

Mom was born in the country. Her parents and grandparents are buried her. Her sister-in-law also. My dad will be buried here. He is 95 years old (2024).

I told my mom that I would plant a “letterbox” at her cemetery, so others can learn about her and can pay tribute to her. I love my mom and I miss you terribly. I can not thank you enough for all that you did for our family as we grew up, then for my family as we lived overseas much of our adult lives. You had to learn to love your grandchildren from afar, and that was before internet, Facebook and Facetime! I love you mom.

TO the CLUE:
Park in front of the pavilion.
Notice there is a small chain length section of the cemetery that is a historically black cemetery used back during the Civil War time. It is to the north of the cemetery.

Look to the North.
Jennings.
Then notice the markers for the MARR family. That's my mom. Next to her is my Aunt. Never married. She was much like a grandmother figure to our family. And she lived to be nearly 100 years old. Everyone called her "Aunt Dick".

Now, walk back over to the Pavilion. Look at the Southwest corner. Look high. Your Box is there. Please be careful and put it back in the same place, on and behind the magnetic post.

Thank you for visiting this small community's cemetery. There are many many stories here that could be told and I told you a story about my mom and how she is like a small rose. Sweet fragrance of a life well lived. A life loving her family. A life loving her Lord and Savior.