Mary Burleson Wiltz was the second daughter born to Lee Chester and Leona Burleson on November 9, 1954. She attended James D. Ryan Elementary School, then Kashmere Jr. Sr. High which was later changed to Francis Scott Key Middle where she first became a cheerleader. She later attended Kashmere Senior High School where she once again became a cheerleader under the leadership of Ms. Lena Youngblood. As a young girl she was very energetic, always dancing and singing. She would spend hours watching football games with her older brother Calvin as he would explain the different plays and penalties to her. She loved watching the games with him especially the performances of the professional cheerleaders which inspired her to become one. Mary excelled in academics and graduate in top 10 percent in her class of 1973. Mary was very active in The National Honor Society, Concerned Teens, Charmers, and Editor of the sports section of the Yearbook of 1973.
Upon graduation from Kashmere she attended Houston Community College and got her Associated Degree and started her career at Bechtel Corporation in 1976 in the Accounting Department. While at Bechtel she worked in various departments starting in general ledger, billings, accounts payable, accounts receivable, employee accounts and project accounting. Her 25 year tenure with this company ended in April, 2001 and she took early retirement at the age of 46 as an Accounting Supervisor. She had sworn to herself she would never work full time again with God’s help. She joined Good Shepherd M.B.C. in June, 1988 where she was active in Women Ministry, Women Choir, Bible Study, Sunday School and Budget Committee. After resting at home for one year she returned to work as a part-time substitute teacher in the Channelview Independent School District for 5 years while also volunteering at her church. In 2003 she was offered a permanent part-time position as Budget Administrator at her church, she worked there for 15 years and retired a second time in December, 2018 this time for good thanks be to God.
On August 10, 1979 she married Clarence J. Wiltz, Jr. and they have a blended family of five beautiful daughters, LaTonya, Kimila, LaTarsha, Timeka and Sherelle, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Mary has three brothers Calvin, Larry and Ricky and one sister Debora who have transitioned from this life. She presently enjoys the company of one brother Charles and two sisters Lois and Dorothy all residing in Houston, Texas. Now she spend much of her time with husband Clarence of 42 years, family and friends, attending church, reading, home projects and shopping.
Mary now shares this prestigious honor of being inducted into Kashmere Former Athletes Association “Ring of Honor” with her brother Calvin Burleson who was inducted in February 17, 2018. She thanks the committee for this distinctive privilege.