Emily Jean Fahrenthold McDonald Appelt

Emily Jean Fahrenthold McDonald Appelt, 91, of Hallettsville, Mama Jean to family and friends, passed peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2024.  
She was born on Jan. 25, 1933, to William and  Epsy Fahrenthold of Hallettsville.  She was one of seven children.
Mama Jean was a 1951 graduate of Hallettsville High School, and was a lifelong Baptist in churches wherever she lived in Texas, ending with her membership at Sublime Baptist Church, a church her grandfather was instrumental in founding.
Mama Jean was a prolific journal writer and photo album keeper.  Her writing talents culminated in a biographical book entitled “The Life & Times of Emily Jean”, which was completed and presented to family members on her 80th birthday.  She was always involved in her churches and communities.  Her leadership skills and dedication were well respected wherever she lived.
Mama Jean was the epitome of Christian love and grace throughout her long life, and was known for her positive spirit, even through her latter years of failing health due to Parkinson’s Disease.  She leaves a legacy of strength, hope, and optimism in life.  Her loss will be felt by many who dearly love her.
Mama Jean is survived by her husband, William Lloyd Appelt of 29 years; sister, Gaye Galetka; daughter,  Ginger Mitchell and husband, David of Fredericksburg, their children, Matt Mitchell and wife, Gretchen of Austin and Gabe Mitchell and wife, April of Katy; son, Murray McDonald and wife, Cindy of Victoria, their daughters, Emily Robinson and husband, Justin of Victoria, and Allyson Hull and husband, Logan of Victoria; son-in-law, Mike Cannon, his children, Beau Cannon of Portland, Oregon and Aubra McGuire and husband, Ryan of San Antonio; stepson, Darrel Appelt and wife, Melanie of Columbus; stepdaughter,  Laura Evans and husband, Keith of Katy, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Mama Jean was preceded in death by her parents, five of her siblings, her first husband, R. L. McDonald, and daughter, Janis Cannon.
Visitation began at 5 p.m. and continued until 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 15 at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville 
The funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 16 at Sublime Baptist Church.  Pastor Jeremy Kraatz officiated.
Burial followed at Geiger Cemetery in  Sublime.
Pallbearers were Beau Cannon, Mike Cannon, Dana Edge, Darrel Appelt, Logan Hull, David Mitchell, Matt Mitchell and Gabe Mitchell. 
Memorials (in lieu of flowers) may be made to Sublime Baptist Church or South Texas Children’s Home.  
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kubenafuneralhome.com