Autry Echols

Autry B Echols was born January 16, 1933 in Kaufman, Texas to the parentage of the late Georgie Lee McKenzie and Eli Greer, Sr. She attended Kaufman Public Schools. She was a very hard worker and worked for many years as a cook and doing day work.

In December 1957 Autry was united in Holy Matrimony to Luther Lee Echols of Waco, Texas. They were married for 42 years prior to Luther’s death in January 2000. To this union was born one daughter and three sons, which added to the family that already included Autry’s two older sons. Autry loved her children and after moving to Dallas, she spent her life dedicated to taking care of her husband, children, grandchildren and home.

She was lovingly known by her friends and family as “Dump”. Her family loved her dearly and she could always bring a smile to your face. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family and always made sure that any visitor in her home was well fed and felt like family.

Growing up, Autry attended the Mt. Arie Baptist Church in Kaufman, Texas where her mother had been a faithful member. After moving to Dallas, she united with the Illinois Avenue Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Mother’s Board and Elizabeth Mission Circle until her health failed and she could no longer attend.

Autry was called from labor to reward on Friday, August 27, 2021 with her daughter and youngest son at her bedside.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Luther L. Echols; Sons: Michael Anthony Echols, Jerry Don Finley, and Herbert James Nix , grandson, Charles Alexander Wagner; Brothers Eli Greer, Jr, Richard Earl Greer and Sister Margie Lee Britt.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Sister, Ella L. Pierce of Kaufman, TX, Daughter Gwendolyn Thompson (Herbert) of DeSoto, TX, Sons: Alfred Eugene Echols (Pam) of Dallas, Texas, Raymond Leroy Echols (Margie) of Waxahachie, TX, 9 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grand children, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.