Mary Lucille Dunkin (Crisp)

Mary Lucille Dunkin (Crisp) went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

She was born in Waskom, Texas to Willam and Gladys Crisp on January 22, 1938.  William was a Baptist preacher, and the family moved several times during Mary's childhood, eventually settling in Miranda City, Texas.  It was there that she met the love of her life, Russell Dunkin.

They were married on December 23, 1953, in Miranda City.   At the time, Russell served in the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego.  While in San Diego, they welcomed their first child, Teresa RaNae.  After Russell completed his service, they moved to Houston, where Russell would eventually serve as a Professor for the University of Texas Dental School.  In late 1960, they welcomed their second child, Cynthia Sue.  After Cyndi entered junior high, Mary worked as a bank teller for several institutions around the Westbury and Meyerland areas of Houston.

In 1992, they retired to their dream home in Pleasanton, Texas.  In Pleasanton, Mary made many lifelong friends.  Always having a servant heart, Mary was the primary caretaker for Russell's parents in their final years.  They continued to live in Pleasanton until Russell's death in 2009.  Russell and Mary were married for 55 years.  Shortly after Russell's death, she moved to Katy, Texas to be closer to her daughters.

She lived in several independent and assisted living facilities, finding her final home at Mason Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  The family would like to extend their eternal gratitude for the loving care provided to her there by the wonderful staff

Celebrating with her in Heaven will be her husband, Russell; her daughter, Teresa RaNae Dykema; her parents, William and Gladys Crisp; her in-laws, Charlie and Ellie Dunkin; her two brothers – Robert (Bobby) Crisp, and Eugene (Gene) Crisp, and her best friend and sister Addie (Sue) Thiele, along with many other family members and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Sue Hilliard (husband, Mark), four granddaughters and two great grandchildren:  Mary Katie Hilliard Canava (husband, Jonithon and their son, Mark Tyler); Alicia Dykema Greenwalt (husband, Matt); Kimberly Dykema Tucker (husband, David); Addie Grace Hilliard Jaus (husband, Dalton and their daughter, Olivia Kaye aka LuLu); as well as  her sister-in-law, Maurine Howard Dunkin, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary's body will be buried next to that of her husband 's on November 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.  but her soul has gone to Heaven.   Graveside services will be at the Pleasanton City Cemetery.  Services are being provided by the Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton.