Mary Belle Ballard, 84, of Orange, Texas, passed away on October 8, 2019, at her home in Orange.

Born in Center, Texas, on August, 9, 1935, she was the daughter of Jessie McMillon and Ima (Gray) McMillon. Mary will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Ima McMillon; her husband, Kenneth Ballard; and her siblings, Joyce Vrooman, Lemmy McMillon, Lavelle Wagner, and Billy McMillon.

She is survived by her children, Leslie Simon and husband Mike Miller of Houston, and Sammy Simon of Orange; her step-children, Melissa Pousson and husband Ray of Orange, and Joyce Richard of Orange; her grandchildren, Eric Simon, Danny Simon, Ben Pousson, Taylor Pousson, Matthew Richard, and Cody Richard; her 3 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the wonderful people who took care of our Mom at Answered Prayers and Heartfelt Embrace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.