Mary Sassin

Mary Nell Mercer Sassin, age 77, of Columbia Lakes, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her loving husband on Monday, January 15, 2018.

Mary Nell was born December 2, 1940 in Bay City, TX to Russell Lee Mercer and Nellie Adelia Ringgold Mercer. She graduated from West Columbia High School in 1959 where she was a cheerleader and active in sports. She attended Sam Houston State College for one year before she married the love of her life, Allan Sassin, on September 3, 1960. Mary Nell and Allan celebrated their 57th anniversary this past September.

After Allan graduated college in 1963, he and Mary Nell began a venturesome life living in Montana, Okinawa, Alabama, Missouri, New Jersey and Texas before settling down in Kingwood, TX in 1978 where they lived for 28 years. In 2005, they returned "home" to West Columbia and built their "dream house" in Columbia Lakes. Old friendships which had been maintained over the years were strengthened upon their return and Mary Nell participated in the early formation of Columbia Heritage Foundation, was a current member of the Columbia Historic Cemetery and a former member of the First Capitol Study Club.

Mary Nell was a dedicated housewife and great cook. She raised two wonderful children and helped in the raising of four grandchildren. The children and grandchildren were the joy of her life and she stayed involved in all aspects possible.

Mary Nell was preceded in death by her parents and sister Betty Sue Mercer Heinemeyer. She is survived by her husband, Allan Sassin of West Columbia; daughter, Michelle Larson and husband Ronnie of Snook, TX; son Mark Sassin of Kingwood, TX, sister Charlene Mercer Gustafson and husband Edward of Stafford, TX; aunt Mattie Sue Ringgold of Bay City, TX and four grandchildren: Kimberly McAuliffe and husband Jason of Taylor, TX, Michael Feagan and wife Kelly of Bryan, TX, Natalie Strickland and husband Jared of Snook, TX and Gunnar Larson of Snook, TX and numerous other family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary Nell's name may be made to the Central EMS in West Columbia, TX or Columbia Heritage Foundation also in West Columbia, TX.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at 10:30 am at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 9:30 am until service time.

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