Annette Elliott

November 11, 1946 - October 4, 2024

Annette Elliott, age 77, passed away on October 4, 2024, surrounded by people who loved her, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, a condition that confounded her doctors.

Born in Knox City, Texas, Annette's early life was shaped by strong women. When her father, a merchant marine, left the family shortly after her birth, her mother, Wynelle, moved in with her sister Ometene Barnett in Benjamin, Texas. Annette’s beloved grandmother, Della, was also part of the household, and along with her sister, Connie, she spent formative years in rural northwest Texas.

In 1953, Wynelle married William “Willie” Hollaway, a butcher who opened his own grocery store, and the family moved to Baytown, Texas, where they created a strong blended family. Annette adored Willie and he helped shape her values and deep sense of family. She became involved with church at an early age, and her faith remained important to her throughout her life. She shared her musical talent by playing piano at Cedar Bayou Baptist Church in Baytown, a role that brought her joy and connection with her community.

Annette graduated from Lee High School in 1965 where she was a member of both the all-female Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps and the Southern Bells singing group, known for her sweet voice and love of music. After high school, she moved to Dallas to attend the Patricia Stevens Career College for Fashion Merchandising and Modeling, where she furthered her passion for beauty and design.

She married William R. Elliott, known to all as Bill, and they shared a love that spanned over fifty years. Their devotion to one another was a steady anchor through career changes, and health challenges. Together, they built a life rooted in resilience, laughter, and unwavering support. Annette stood by Bill’s side with grace and loyalty, a testament to the deep bond they shared. Their love was a quiet but powerful example to all who knew them, and it was a foundation upon which they raised their two sons, who became the center of their lives.

Annette served as the president of the Parent Teacher Association at her sons' elementary school and directed the end-of-year talent show at Walnut Hill Elementary. When the kids got older, she worked seasonally at the Dallas Apparel Mart and Neiman Marcus. Annette was known for her cooking, a talent she inherited and lovingly preserved through cherished family recipes. She delighted in sharing meals that brought family and friends together. Her love for flowers, gardening, and antiques filled her home, creating a warm, inviting space that reflected her generous spirit.

In 1990, Annette began working at Thomas Jefferson High School, where she became the Office Manager, a role which furthered her calling. She dedicated more than 20 years of her life to the school and its students, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others. Several principals at the school considered her guidance, support, and mentoring to be crucial to their leadership, as she nurtured and assisted them throughout their careers. Her outstanding service at TJ was recognized by an award from the Alumni Association. In 2018, Annette and Bill retired and moved to Austin to be closer to their sons, Mark and Mycal, where they spent their final years together.

There was a profound contentment within Annette. She carried a gentleness of spirit that life’s hardships could not diminish, touching everyone who knew her with her quiet strength and unwavering kindness. Her favorite pastime was “visiting” with family and friends, whether that be sitting around the kitchen table or on the phone. She truly loved people, and anyone who knew her felt that love.

Annette is survived by sons Mark and Mycal Elliott; Daughters-in-law, Ashley and Ryan; beloved granddaughter, Harlan; her siblings, Don, Betty, Bill; and dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and beloved friends: Gwen, Missy, Scott, Lynn, Tawny, Matt, Suzette, Jerry Don, Steve, Jeff, Dickie, Sharon, Ruth Ann, Joan, Betty B, Judy, Mary Jane, Kelli, Betsy. Her family will forever hold her memory close, cherishing the love and care she provided to all those around her.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on November 16 at 2:00 pm at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a scholarship fund supporting Thomas Jefferson High School students who aspire to enter a helping profession, in honor of her memory.

She will be very deeply missed, but her spirit will remain with all who knew and loved her.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, their light remains”

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