Mary Wyler

AFRICA TO ABILENE

Mary Kathryn Lawyer (Deveny) Wyler passed from this life on November 1, 2023. She was also known as Kathy, Aunt Katie, Kitty, Moops, and Gran. Everyone she met was a friend and are the jewels in her crown. Kathy was born March 30, 1927 in Southern Rhodesia Africa, the daughter of Christian missionaries, Ray James and Zelma Wood Lawyer. Her stay in Africa was cut short at six months of age due to the tragic death of her father. Her mother Zelma and six-year-old sister Jean then returned to Abilene, Texas with help from their church sponsors.

Kathy’s mother Zelma began teaching at Abilene Christian high school. Kathy and sister Jean spent the next seventeen years living and learning their beautiful spiritual walk, with the influence of mentors such as A.B. Morris, Leonard Burford, Guy Scruggs and others. It was at Abilene Christian College, she met and married Robert Deveny, the father of her three sons, James, Timothy, and Dennis. Robert, shortly after marriage, enlisted in the Navy and moved his family to San Diego, California. It was there that Kathy began her career with AT&T. Kathy was so sad to leave Abilene and always dreamed about returning to “the Hill”.

San Diego was home for the next 20 years. Sadness again occurred with the loss of her marriage of 20 years to Robert. Her next ten years were spent alone. She filled her void by growing closer to God and family. Her love for writing, poetry, and short stories fulfilled her needs. She eventually found another soul mate, Phil Wyler. They married and spent her remaining 45 years with joy, comfort, and the Lord. Phil was the man who finally brought Kathy back to Abilene, Texas. Yea!!

She is survived by her three sons, Tim, Jim, and Denny, seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends who knew and loved her. Kathy never met a stranger, she welcomed everyone just as they were. Culture, color, religious beliefs mattered not. She found beauty in every step she took. Thank you, Kathy, for blessing us and we will meet again one day.

The family wishes to extend many thanks to the staff at Silver Spring, Dr. Alan Schultz and Interim Hospice for their wonderful love and care.

A memorial and celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on December 2nd at Piersall Funeral Directors at 3:30 p.m. Donations in her memory can be made to the charity of your choice.  Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.