Mary Elaine Nall Bay

Mary Elaine Nall Bay, 74, entered Heaven's gates on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at her home in Lavon, Texas. Elaine was born November 16, 1948, in Dallas County, Texas, one of identical twin girls born to Jessie Darlene Pilcher and William Clem Nall.

After graduating from South Garland High School in 1967, Elaine obtained Bachelor’s degrees in English and History from the University of North Texas and was awarded a Texas Teacher Certificate. In 1986 she received a Master of Library Science degree from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. She served as the Librarian at Mineola High School, Rains Independent School District, and McNeil Elementary in McKinney, and she worked passionately to inspire the “joy of reading” in each student that walked through her library doors.

She authored several books on the history of Rains County, Texas, and was an avid genealogist and researcher, mapping and documenting area cemeteries and helping others locate their loved ones and ancestors. She also volunteered at Chestnut Square Historic Village in downtown McKinney, contributing landscape design and gardening services.

Of all the responsibilities Elaine took on, her most cherished was that of Mother and Granny. Her devotion and support for her family epitomized the very definition of unconditional love. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of her family and of all those who knew her.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Carrie Annette Bay of Dallas, Texas; son, Nathan Alan Bay of Wylie, Texas; son, Jesse Aaron Bay, daughter-in-law, Gwénaëlle Bay, and granddaughter, Meredith Bay, all of Pessac, France; and her twin sister, Patricia Ann Nall of Lavon, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Vertis Ray Bay, Jr.; and nephew, Clayton Alan Martin.

A service to commemorate her life will be held on Friday, November 3, at the Luke Tipton Cemetery in Itasca, Texas. In lieu of flowers, Elaine asked that memorial donations be made to Chestnut Square (https://www.chestnutsquare.org/donate) or to the Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org), in honor of her father.