Mary Etta Moreau

Born in Tyler, Texas, Mary Etta (Allen) Moreau was born to John Thomas Allen and Emma Ruth Allen née Weeks in Tyler, Texas, where she lived her entire childhood. After a year at Tyler Junior College, Mary Etta transferred to the University of Texas, pledged to the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and lived in the Zeta house on campus. While studying to become a teacher, all accounts indicate she enjoyed her time in Austin. There, she met Billy Joseph Moreau, Jr., whom she married on July 26, 1958.

A bonus baby born in her parents’ middle age, Mary Etta was doted on by them and by her three significantly older sisters – Virginia Allen, Johnnie Bavaria, and Nell Bell- and, effectively raised by four mothers. As a result, Mary Etta grew up loved and being loved with the added result of strongly opposing being told what to do. Both traits continued to the day she died. The lasting strength of her childhood was an openness to all people and genuine caring for whomever she met.

Mary Etta was Bill’s helpmate – his better half, and together, they moved to Lufkin in 1963 with their children, Billy J. Moreau, III and Elizabeth. In 1965, Marcella made their family complete. In their early years, Mary Etta worked in the home, guiding and directing her children, and building a healthy, happy family. During nearly a decade of summers, with a Red Cross certification, she taught swimming lessons to a host of children and even to an occasional class of adults.

At the Methodist church, Mary Etta also volunteered in a variety of capacities and was an active participant in Women ministries. With the introduction of the Lay Witness movement, she joined Bill in leading the Lufkin church’s involvement, which had a profound impact on them and on many participants over the years. Additionally, Mary Etta was a member of the Lufkin Service League (now Junior League of Lufkin)  through which she served in diverse positions from hospital volunteer to Christmas tree sales. In 1973, she studied for her commercial real estate license and became the manager of Angelina Mall, which was at that time, the largest mall between Dallas and Houston.

Perhaps Mary Etta’s greatest legacy was her care for others, her acceptance of life as it came, and her determination to make all things right and beautiful. She was laughter, peacemaker, comforter, encourager to all who needed her. Additionally, she set an example of Christian life and faith, openly welcoming people and loving freely.

Mary Etta and Bill had a long love spanning sixty-six years, and we rejoice in their reunion in the Kingdom of God. She is free of the pain and difficulty of her last years, strong and lovely in the light of Christ.

Mary Etta is survived by her three children, Billy Moreau III (Samorn) of Thailand, Elizabeth Moreau of Shepherd, TX, and Marcella M. Moss (Tom) of Tomball, TX. In addition, Mary Etta is survived by grandchildren Paul Moreau of Dallas, Joseph Moreau, IV (Brittany) of Tulsa, and Sarah Ann Hicks (Clint) also of Tulsa and great-grandchildren Brandon, Kennedy, Kyler, and Kambrei Moreau, Joseph Moreau V and Samual Moreau, and Mila, Camden, and Quinn Hicks, as well as her nephews, Henry Bell and Allen Bell (Cindy) and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Mary Etta was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, her sisters and brothers-in-law, and her great-granddaughter, Sawyer Ann Hicks.

Memorials may be made to Winnie Berry Humane Society of Angelina County, P. O. Box 472, Lufkin, Texas 75902.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.