Roll Call Tribute

Brucilla Ann York
March 05, 1930 - May 09, 2021

Brucilla Ann York passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 9, 2021. Born to Vona Brucilla Duke Samuel and Bruce Walker Samuel on March 5, 1930 in Petty, Texas, Ms. York was one of ten siblings. In her youth Ann enjoyed reading, music and playing games with her brothers and sisters. Growing up in the height of the depression, extravagances and luxuries were defined as an appreciation for the land, an imagination as entertainment, a strong faith in God and a love of family. Following her graduation from Ladonia High School in 1947, Ann moved to Sherman and continued her education in Business School.

In the summer of 1949 Ann was working in a bank in Ladonia when she met Gerald McClendon York, and they wed a short three months later on September 4, 1949. From the day they met until his passing in June 2016 Ann and Gerald were inseparable sweethearts. Early in their marriage the couple lived in Ladonia, Sherman, Belton, Dallas, Gainesville, Bryan and Denton as Gerald built his career in the Agricultural Extension Service. In 1960 the young family moved to Corsicana, Texas where they would reside for over 55 years. Ann was actively involved in First United Methodist Church and many other community organizations during her time in Corsicana. After 17 years with the AES, Gerald left to join First National Bank of Corsicana as an agricultural loan officer and he went on to enjoy a long and successful career as a banker and rancher. After raising her three children, Ann pursued one of her lifelong dreams and returned to college at the age of 52, first attending Navarro College in Corsicana then gaining acceptance to Texas A&M University, her husband’s alma mater and the university that at one time all three of her children had attended. Ann worked tirelessly over the coming years while juggling her responsibilities as wife and mom, and on May 10, 1991 she walked the commencement stage to receive her diploma in Speech Communications, much to the delight of her cheering section! Earning her Aggie ring and joining her other family members as a Former Student was a tremendous source of pride for Ann.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents and seven of her siblings, her loving husband Gerald '48 with whom she is now reunited and great grandson Rhett Petroski. Ann is survived by sister Pamela Jean Samuel of Garland and brother Fred Ray Samuel of Greenville, and her children Samuel David York '74 and wife Cherisa of Kilgore, Rebecca Ann York Pate and husband Howard of College Station and Steven Fred York '82 and wife Yoli of San Antonio. Also surviving Ms. York are her grandchildren Colin York '08 and wife Cynthia '08 of Kansas City, Missouri, Barrett York of San Antonio, Lacey Pate Petroski '10 and husband Jason of Bryan, Landon Pate of Bryan, Josh York and wife Megan of Orsago, Italy and Nick York '17 of Denver, Colorado, as well as great grandchildren Sarah, Hannah and Caleb York of Kansas City, Missouri and Paige York of Orsago, Italy.

Funeral services will be under the direction of Corley’s Funeral Home and will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana at 2pm on Friday, May 14, 2021 with Reverend Doctor Jayson S. Galler officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Corsicana at 320 N. 15th Street, Corsicana, Texas 75110.

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