Maggie Joyce Rector

Funeral services for Maggie Rector, 86, of Whitehouse will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Laird Funeral Home with Rev. Andrew Rehbein officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Hilltop Church of the Nazarene in Tyler, Texas. 

Maggie Joyce Rector entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in Bullard, Texas. She was born on September 16, 1934, in Lilbert, Texas, to Jacob Emmanuel Commander and Bessie Ruth Armstrong Commander.

Maggie grew up in Nacogdoches County where she graduated from Nacogdoches High School. She was very proficient in Medical Terminology which was knowledge that she used for the rest of her career. Maggie excelled in the Health Care Industry which was noticed by doctors who took the time to teach her and eventually advanced her into office management for doctor offices. Maggie would occasionally work as a teacher’s helper in the Whitehouse School District.

Maggie met the love of her life, Ray Rector, in a Youth Group at the local First Church of God. They shared the same passion and commitment to God and dedicated their lives to one another August 17, 1951. Maggie and Ray spent 69 wonderful years together; just three months and one day shy of 70 years. The couple was devoted to sharing God’s Word and while Ray was a Pastor, Maggie assisted him in the ministry as well as being the church pianist and helping organize for special events. Maggie was exceptional at playing the piano and organ and found great joy in working on her garden and watching the flowers she worked so hard to care for, grow. Maggie loved her family and loved serving her Lord.

Maggie is survived by her husband, Ray Rector; sons, Reginald Rector and wife, Joy and Dale Rector and wife, Janet; grandchildren, Adrienne Wiseman, Courtney Rehbein, Bethany Watson, Lacey Fisher, and Stephen Rector; and great-grandchildren, Branden Purcell, Brittney Purcell, Mackenzie Watson, Lindsey Lowrence, Isabella Wiseman, Andi Mae Rehbein, Hope Rehbein, Rae Fisher, Franci Fisher, Abe Fisher, Stone Rector, and Wells Rector.

Maggie is preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Emmanuel Commander and Bessie Ruth Armstrong Commander; sister, Ettie Jho Berryhill; and brothers, Cecil Commander, Roy Commander, and Arnold Commander.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

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