Mary Beth James

Mary Beth graced this world on February 21, 1941, in San Angelo, Texas, and passed away on August 23, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the second child of Horace and Rita Taylor ( Winn). Her family eventually settled in Houston, Texas. Mary Beth graduated from Lamar High School in 1959, followed by a degree in French from Baylor University in 1963. She also extended her education for a short period in Paris, France.

Following a divorce, Mary Beth moved to her favorite vacation city, Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she met Harold James on a blind date and on May 7, 1996, in Seeley Lake, Montana, she became Mrs. James. The Montana years were idyllic for Mary Beth with travels, backyard cookouts, canoeing, hiking and acquiring new friends.

The James’ moved to Georgetown (Sun City) in 2000 to tend to her mother. Mary Beth was an active member at Crestview Baptist Church, where she served on committees and taught Bible study classes. Mary Beth loved God and was never hesitant to use her faith to encourage others. She truly loved participating in Crestview’s free Monday lunches that were provided to Southwestern University students. Mary Beth’s spirit of adventure was evident as she accompanied her husband in retracing the California Trail by a Gold Rush diarist in 1849, often camping at the same locations noted in the diary. This experience was prompted by researching the subject for an upcoming book by her husband. Mary Beth contributed greatly to the success of the publication, with editorial advice, proof reading, as well as providing early drafts of word processing, and photography. The title of the book is also attributed to Mary Beth, “Bruff’s Wake.”

Mary Beth is survived by her husband Harold of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister, Joanna Sweet of Conroe, Texas; her two sons, Wesley Welmaker (Michelle) of Houston, Texas; Douglas Welmaker (Ashley) of Longview, Texas. She took particular joy in her three grandchildren, Wyatt, McCall and Johnathan who called her “grandmama.” Also, two step-children, Joseph James and Stephanie James of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Mary Beth touched countless lives with her kindness, warmth and generous spirit ~ all wrapped in an infectious smile. Her passing leaves a tremendous void for all who knew her and loved her.