Mary Ellen Pringle

Mary Ellen Pringle, 82, of Amarillo, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 7:30 pm on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Memorial services will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at South Georgia Baptist Church with Karen Wells officiating. Private burial will be at Llano East Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Mary was born on July 19, 1942 in Jonesboro, Texas to Gertie and Melvin Watson. She grew up on a farm in Pancake, Texas and attended schools in nearby Jonesboro graduating in 1959. She continued her education at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas where she met Fred. She graduated with a degree in elementary education and then on November 9, 1963 married Fred Byron Pringle.

She started her career teaching in Killeen,Texas while Fred was serving in the United States Navy. They lived in various small east Texas towns and started their family. Susan was born in Giddings, then a few years later James completed their family while living in Terrell.

They began a new chapter in Amarillo in 1974 and never left. She was a stay-at-home mom while their kids were young. Mary returned to her teaching career in 1982 and taught a total of 25 years, 18 of those in Amarillo ISD. She was an excellent teacher and impacted countless students' lives with her diligent work ethic and love for children. Mary excelled in everything she did.

One of her greatest roles was being a grandmother. As soon as she could, she retired to care for her grandchildren while their parents worked. She and Fred kept 2, then 3, then 4 grandchildren in their home. They were an excellent team and gave the cousins countless memories and experiences that they will never forget. That investment was a gift more valuable than

anyone could ever imagine. They are who they are because of the time they spent in Grandma and Grandpa's home. Mary was patient and fun. She read countless books. There was cooking, board games, cousin sleepovers, camping, puzzles, gardening, and walks to the park and so much more.

Mary showed up. She was at soccer games, recitals, choir concerts, baseball games, tennis matches, school functions, ALL the birthday parties and graduations. She was always available and always there. She was content and happy. She was easy to be around. She was easy to love. If you knew Mary, you know this to be true.

Fred and Mary volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 14 years. They were always active in church settling at South Georgia Baptist. They had a very special friend group called "The Gang" that they shared many meals with. Serving others and spending time with friends and family was their priority.

Fred and Mary were married for 61 years. Their example of marriage is extraordinary. They loved each other well. They were always for each other. Their constant and consistent love, affection, forgiveness, joy, and support were evident to everyone who knew them. Mary was so very proud to be Fred's wife. She cared for him in every way and loved every minute of it.

Mary is survived by her husband, Fred Pringle and her children, Susan Rogers and husband Cale of Amarillo and James Pringle and wife Julie of Amarillo. She has four grandchildren, Shannon Jones and husband Scott, Sonya Rogers and fiancé Casey Hayward, Jake Pringle, and Judd Pringle. She has one great grandson, Mason Jones. She is also survived by her sister, Jimmie Del Wicker.