Mary Cathryn Pryor

Mary Cathryn Pryor, age 98, of New Deal, Texas, passed peacefully in her sleep on September 10, 2026, in Weatherford Tx. She was born on February 13, 1928, in Russellville Arkansas, to Roy Bryan (R.B.) and Mamie Ashmore Speer. Mary grew up in New Deal, Texas, and attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas. She was a lifetime Texas Tech Red Raider, most often wearing the red and black of her Alma Mater. She went on to work as a Junior High Teacher, instructing students in Texas History and Math for 39 years, with over 30 of those years in Friona Texas, which she always considered her home. In 1951 she married Benny Dowell Pryor, and together they built a wonderful life raising their family in Friona. Mary was an avid quilter, completing many beautiful quilts for her family. She loved attending Texas Tech ball games, whether it was football or men’s or women’s basketball, she was on the sideline cheering her beloved Red Raiders. She loved her family and loved spending time with them all together. She is survived by her children, Vicki (and Robert) Carr, and Keith (and Rhonda) Pryor; grandchildren, Jason (and Patrice) and Karra (and Casey) Morton, and great-grandchildren Kale, Jack, and Allie Morton and Loren and Jacob Pryor; She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years Benny, her parents R.B. and Mamie Speer, and brothers J.I. and Brooks Speer.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday October 18th from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm at the home of Vicki and Robert Carr, located at 265 Greene Rd, Weatherford TX 76087. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benny Pryor Harley Merritt Scholarship fund at the Friona State Bank, in Friona TX, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.