Mae Belle McNiel

Mae Belle McNiel of Brenham passed away on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the age of 90.

Mae Belle was born on August 21, 1923 in Lucama, North Carolina to Rommie and Bessie Watson Sasser. She married John H. McNiel on August 9, 1942 in Bennettsville, South Carolina. Mae Belle and Johnny made their home in Brenham, Texas and owned a café in downtown Brenham for many years, later running the café at the Auction Barn and a local Country Store. In her elder years, she enjoyed her grandchildren and spending her Sundays at The Cactus Restaurant. She was a long time member of Brenham Presbyterian Church.

Mae Belle is survived by her son, Don McNiel and wife Sherry; daughters, Mary Jo Eickenhorst and husband Herbert; Tracey Cramer and husband Michael. Her grandchildren include Jason Eickenhorst and wife Marisa, Kyle McNiel, Korey Parrish, Jordan Parrish and Jerod Bain. Mae Belle is also survived by her great-grandchildren Kilee McNiel and Blake Engeling. She is also survived by her sister, Gloria Grey Boswell and husband Jay of Greenville, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 59 years, four brothers and a sister.

A graveside service was held this morning at Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham.

Memorials in Mae Belle’s honor may be given to the American Heart Association.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham 979.836.3611. Tributes may be left at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com