Mava Janeece Farris

Mava Janeece Farris, 84, of Abilene, passed away at her home on Saturday, February 17, 2024.  Visitation with the family will be Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street. Graveside service will be on Friday, February 23, at 2:00 p.m. at the Annetta Cemetery in Annetta, Texas.

From the time Mava was a child - she always wanted to be a missionary. She was the daughter of a Baptist Pastor and farmer.  Upon his death, her Mother took a position at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.  Which would later open doors for her to serve in home missions on a short-term basis.

Mava was a Graduate of Hardin Simmons University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education where she was one of the founding members of Tri-Phi Sorority.

She served as an English teacher from the first year Cooper High School opened in Abilene Texas in 1960 to 1963. She married in 1962 and through her life lived in Waco, Floydada, and Plainview, TX, then Grand Junction, CO, and Athens, Ohio where she was the assistant to the Provost of International Student Services at Ohio University.

She was active in WMU in Colorado and the Baptist Student Unit at Ohio University in Ohio. She and Jim were pivotal in helping Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Athens OH, expand by adding an education wing.

Music was always an important part of her life.  Mava was a beautiful vocalist, and an accomplished pianist, often playing for worship services upon request.

During her years in Abilene, Texas she became a Hearing Officer for the Texas Workforce Commission, and advanced in her career field serving as an Appeal's Justice for TWC.

Mava's heart for ministry and missions continued throughout her life.  She served with the Adult Literacy Council of Abilene, Texas, and donated her time teaching English as a second language.  Additionally, she became actively involved with the Texas Prisons Field Minister Program at the Darrington Unit partnered with with Southwestern Seminary.  She was pivotal in the creation of the first Interdenominational Church Support group with Heart of Texas Foundation to support Field Ministers at the Robertson Unit prison in Abilene, and made it possible for the program to have the necessary material for education and faith-based classes.

At Elmcrest Baptist Church she was an active participant in Church Government, particularly in the Churches Prayer Ministry whose committee updated the Church outside-access prayer room.

Mava was awarded for her life of service both with the Texas Workforce Commission and the TDCJ/Robertson Unit for her extraordinary service and contributions.

Mava's life was about serving people and sharing the Lord Jesus Christ.  Upon her desk you could always find a plaque saying the following:  “Morning is God's way of saying one more time, "Go make a difference, touch a heart; encourage a mind, inspire a soul and enjoy the day!"

Mava is survived by her husband, James Farris, of Abilene, TX, Daughters Gwendolyn, of Abilene, TX and Elizabeth and Allison Farris, of Richardson, TX, Sister-in-Law, Geraldine Johnston, of Plainview, TX, Nephew Sidney Johnston, his wife and children, Nieces; Jacqueline Johnston, Debbie Johnston and her daughter, and Leigh Johnston-Shell and her family.

ROMANS 12:10-16

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.