On April the 12th, 2017, we lost our beloved Willeda Rea of Art, Texas. She was 79 years old and is survived by her husband of 58 years, Van Rea of Art and three daughters, Laura McDowell of Austin, Mindy Hasie of Austin and Tammy Smith of New Braunfels, Texas. She is also survived by three sisters, Marjorie Cardwell of Fredericksburg, Betha Cox of Kyle and Zala Koym and her husband Charles of Fredericksburg. She has seven grandchildren, Abraham McDowell, Chloe McDowell, Rea Netherton and husband Bill, Cal Hasie, Mont Hasie, Preston Smith and Colby Smith. She is also survived by brother in law Dennis Rea and wife Ann of Fredericksburg. She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Bruce Cox and Ruby Jordan Cox (previously of Mason, Texas), sister Brucene Norton and a grandson, Michael Wyeth.
Willeda was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 23rd, 1938. Willeda attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, graduated with a B.S. degree in only two and one half years with honors. She taught school in Killeen, San Antonio and Galveston for a total of fourteen years. She subsequently was active in many organizations in both San Marcos and Mason and pursued her passion of photography. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mason.
On December 7th, 2011 Willeda experienced a rather massive stroke resulting in expressive aphasia and auditory processing difficulties. With the help of Austin Speech Labs and her many Mason and San Marcos friends she had shown amazing progress in both areas. She has been able to return to her beloved hobby of photography, socializing with friends and spending much time on the computer. On many occasions she expressed to family her great appreciation for all of you who have helped her through this.
Visitation will be held at Mason Funeral Home from 5-7pm on Monday 4/17/17. The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Mason, Texas on Tuesday 4/18/17 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Austin Speech Labs (7800 Shoal Creek Blvd 136-S, Austin, TX 78757), Riata Service Organization, or the charity of your choice.