Madeline Bly James Allen (aka Granny) passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 16, 2021, in Huntsville, Texas surrounded by her daughters, at the age of 90. She was born on October 26, 1931, in Big Spring, Texas to Tom and Lula Mae Bly. Madeline lived in Moore and Devine before moving in with her daughter in Huntsville, TX.
Madeline was raised in Big Spring along with her two older sisters, Maybelle and Geraldine. At the age of 13 she moved with her family to Leakey, Texas where she helped her daddy raise angora goats. She attended Leakey High School where she played basketball and threw shotput.
Madeline made friends everywhere she went. Her life was centered around her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her famous sayings were “oh me oh my” and “okie pokie”.
Madeline was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Maybelle Roberts and Geraldine Bonner, stepson Jeff Allen, step grandson Brandon Black.
She is survived by daughters, Johnnie Mae Hooper (Ben), Samantha Patteson (Ralph), son, William B. James (Pam), stepdaughters Cindy Allen and Suzanne Rios. Grandchildren, Jenie Leal, Rebecca Kelley (Luke), Andrew Hooper (Cynthia), Crystal Hooper, Ginger Vasquez (Tony), Esiquio Nathan Esparza. Great grandchildren, Ryan Leal, Haylee Leal, Wyatt Kelley, Avery Kelley, Mia Vasquez, Joaquin Vasquez, Kaleb Armstrong, Gabriella Esparza, A’vea Esparza, Catalaya Esparza, Jocelyn Esparza and Ellana Esparza. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Graveside services were held on Monday, December 20, 2021, at Mt. Olive Memorial Cemetery, Big Spring, Texas.