Mary Elizabeth Jeter

Mary Elizabeth Mansker Jeter 

November 12, 1945 - June 15, 2024

“Let me know what I can do to help. I’ll do what I can for you.”

Mary was generous and selfless, kind and giving, always putting others before herself, never asking for anything in return.

Mary’s life began on November 12, 1945 in Waco, Texas. She was the beloved daughter of Lionel Price Mansker and Bertha Louise Hodde Mansker and little sister of Michael Price Mansker. She grew up on a small farm in Eddy, Texas where she began riding her horse, Nuben, at a very early age. She was always curious and when she encountered a problem she would quickly come up with solutions to solve it. In the case of her horse, she was not able to saddle him herself yet, so she would lead him to the truck, climb up and throw herself on. There was never a problem too big for her to solve.

Mary graduated as Valedictorian from Bruceville-Eddy High School in 1964. It was not an easy feat for her teachers though. On more than one occasion, she spoke of a teacher who was always happy to get her on the bus to go home. She enjoyed learning and asking questions. She would finish her work before the other students and would need extra assignments to keep her busy. At one point, the school administration created an “office” for her in a hallway closet and let her “help” with tasks such as making copies. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, in 1968. She dedicated 32 years of her life to teaching grades 2-5, developing curriculum, assisting with school improvements and leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students.

She married George “Truett” Jeter, Jr. on March 30, 1963 and enjoyed 30 loving and wonderful years with him. Their life together started with Truett serving in the Navy and stationed at sea on a submarine. After his time in the service they returned to Texas and had two children, Melissa and Greg. Their days were filled with activities centered around their children and providing them with a nurturing and loving environment. Mary always made it a point to put her family before herself. 

She also found joy in gardening and yard work, sewing, creating, and spending time with her family and friends. She was always available to help however she could and spent countless hours working on projects for others that included refinishing furniture, painting and decorating homes, sewing clothes and quilting, and whatever else she could do to lend a helping hand. Her greatest passion, however, was being Oma and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored deeply.

Mary passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Colorado Springs, CO, at the age of 78. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her beloved husband. She is survived by her daughter Melissa and husband Tommy Davis, her son Greg and wife Ashleigh, her grandchildren Ashley and husband Matt Yeager, Tejay Davis, James Davis, Payton Jeter, Ryland Jeter, and Hudson Jeter. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Truett and Cordell Yeager.

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, dedication, and kindness will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends. A Memorial Service to honor Mary's life will be held at Waco Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 1:00pm.