Maery Lou (Young) Street Obituary (1917 - 2020)

Maery Lou Young Street was the daughter of Tom Young and Sarah Young (Smalley), and the sister of Thomas Young and Arlester Young. Both parents and brothers, and a grandson (Osokwe N'namdi Street) preceded her in death. A native Floridian, she became a Texan when she married Oliver B. Street of Austin on August 15, 1941. To this union one son was born, Oliver B. Street, II. She departed this life on January 13, 2020. Maery Lou attended the public schools of Miami, Florida and graduated with honors (Cum Laude) from Tuskegee Institute (University). After employment in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, DC, she received the Master of Education Degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She began her teaching career with the Austin Independent School District at Blackshear Elementary School, but later joined the faculty of Tillotson College (Huston-Tillotson University) as Chair of the Business Education Department. She returned to AISD as a teacher of English at the Original L.C. Anderson High School and at Sidney Lanier High School. She retired after 21 years with the District. Sister Street joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1942 under the pastorate of the late Rev. J.C. Lott. Her church activities included membership and presidency of Deborah Circle; Coordinator of the first TV Ministry; Sunday School teacher of the Business and Professional Women's class; Organizer and Chair of the Grief Ministry Committee; Woman's Day Captain and Co-Captain; recipient of the Distinguished Christian Service Award; and other participating roles in various church programs. She was publicly honored for her community participation by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority "Minority Women of the Year"; National Council of Negro Women "Tutorial Service Award"; Texas General Land Office "Contribution to Public Education"; Business Opportunity Symposium Series II "BOSSII, Women of Valor"; Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. "Grand Salute to Outstanding Austin Women"; Austin Area Urban League "Community Service Award for the Year." She was honored by the City of Austin Volunteer Center for volunteer service, the Austin Public Library System for volunteer service hours; and initiating the Carver Branch Library Tutoring Program. She was a caseworker for the Red Cross and was also recognized by the Villager Newspaper as one of "Austin's Living Legends." Her favorite Bible verse was Micah 6:8, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Her favorite hymn was "There is a Balm in Gilead." She was a life member of the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Texas State Teachers Association. She was a member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Capital City Lions Club, Lottie Madison Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and the Friendship Bridge Club. Her favorite things to do were to read, travel, and play bridge. She traveled extensively to Jamaica, Capitals of Southern and Western Europe, U.S. New England States, Hawaii Islands, and China. She was an avid, passionate bridge player and master bridge teacher who never missed an opportunity to play a game of bridge. Her intellectual curiosity, cultural broadening and exposure, led to passionate support of the Arts through being a season ticket patron of Zachary Scott Theatre, and Broadway in Austin at Bass Concert Hall for many years. She additionally holds a "Seat of Honor" in the Long Center for the Performing Arts. She is survived by her son, Oliver B. Street, II (Polly); two grandsons Salim B. Street (Jenny) and Oliver B. Street, III; two great-granddaughters, Kirstin C. Street and Harper R. Street; several nieces and nephews, extended family, and many loving and caring friends.