Mary Earlene Gauntt

Mary Earlene Gauntt passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024 at age 89. Born on December 27, 1935 in Fort Worth, Texas, Earlene was the proud daughter of Earl and Myrtle Jane Adair. She married the love of her life, Joe W. Gauntt on September 26, 1953, and they shared many years together creating wonderful memories with their family.

 Earlene was an excellent student and graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1953. She devoted her life to serving with her husband in many churches throughout the south, including Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. She was very active in the lives of her children and enjoyed sewing, cooking, singing, and playing the piano. She taught piano for many years to students of all ages. She also worked as a financial secretary at Riverside High School in Fort Worth and served as music secretary for many years at First Baptist Church, Arlington.

 Earlene’s greatest joy was her family. She spent time telling stories, reading, and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved cooking and taking trips to Branson with the family, shopping and going to shows. 

 Earlene’s relationship with God was extremely important to her. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Arlington, until her health prevented her from attending regularly. She then chose to watch faithfully each Sunday online from home. She very much enjoyed her Sunday School class and singing in the Senior Adult Choir before she had to remain at home because of health issues.

 Earlene is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Gauntt, her parents, Earl and Myrtle Adair, and her infant sister. She is survived by her two children: Jan Oliver (Phil) of Waco, and Greg Gauntt (Connie) of Fort Worth. She was a proud and beloved Memaw to five grandchildren: Matthew Oliver (Megan), April May (Jeremy), Valerie Morse (Cody), Melody Howie (Kole), and Emily Gauntt. She also is survived by seven cherished great-grandchildren: Elisha Oliver, Jameson, Remington, and Adelynn May, and Easton, Gunner, and Cannon Morse.

 Visitation will be held at Wade Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, January 6. A celebration service to honor Earlene’s life will be at First Baptist Arlington at 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 7. Burial will follow at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth at 2:00 pm.

 Choices in honoring Earlene’s life include donations of flowers on this website or donations made to Texans on Mission or to ministries in your local church. 

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.”

--Richard Bach