Maebelle Hughes Yarbrough

Maebelle Hughes Yarbrough, 86, of Garrison, Texas passed away Sunday, June 23, 2019, in Garrison, Texas. Born February 27, 1933, in Huber Community, Shelby County, Texas, to the late Vesper and Oma (Chapman) Hughes.

Maebelle grew up in the Huber Community and graduated with the class of 1950 from Timpson High School. After high school, she worked and attended business college and later she enrolled in Stephen F. Austin where she worked for the band director, Jimmy Hudgins and was a member of the SFA Marching Band. She earned a Bachelors of Business Administration and a Teaching Certificate. She spent several years in the late 50s and early 60s teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in Timpson before being hired to teach Business Administration at Garrison High School in 1964. She loved teaching typing, shorthand and bookkeeping. Several of her students medaled at state UIL competition. In 1984, Maebelle became the 1st female principal of Garrison High School where she served for over 6 years.

She married Darrell Grigsby Yarbrough on September 1, 1956, spending more than 37 years with him until his passing in 1994. They adopted two children as babies from Edna Gladney in Fort Worth – Glynn in 1964 and Suzy in 1967. She loved both her children dearly and was always supported of their endeavors.

After husband’s sudden death she was thrust into a career as administrator of the Garrison Nursing Home, which the Yarbrough family owned. She brought a new level of care and service to a nursing home already known for good care and helped, with the assistant of her loving staff, take the Garrison Nursing Home to new heights.

Also, after her husband’s death in 1994, she took over his ranching activities. She certified the herd with the Santa Gertrudis Association and has been known to have one of the best herds of Santa Gertrudis cattle in Texas. Anyone who has driven by can attest to what pretty “red cows” she had.

Maebelle always had a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, and she made that her life’s mission no matter where she happened to be. She was a talented pianist and started playing at the age of eleven at Oak Grove Christian Church, until transferring to the First Christian Church in Timpson later. Maebelle was a member of Eastern Star and was their pianist for many years. Her love for the Lord was evident above all things. She was devoted to God, her church, family and community. A woman who accepted any challenge and excelled at anything she set forth to do, she left an unforgettable imprint on this world that will be a legacy for years to come.

She is survived by her son, Darrell Glynn Yarbrough of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Suzy Galanis and husband George of Dallas, Texas; grandchild, Kathryn Angelica Galanis of Austin, Texas; niece, Margaret Boutte'; and great niece, Michelle Boutte'.

Maebelle is preceded in death by her loving husband, Darrell Grigsby Yarbrough; parents, Vesper and Oma Hughes; and brother, Harold Hughes.

The family request in lieu of flowers memoral donations be made to SFASU Foundation Inc., Yarbrough Family Scholarship, P O Box 6092, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6092, or The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), P.O. Box 727, Timpson, TX 75975.

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