Mary Gyndola (Bagwell) Malena was born on June 25, 1939 in Antlers, Oklahoma to James Oaties and Mildred (Latham) Bagwell. She spent her early childhood in the hills around Antlers, and then moved with her family to the Whitesboro area where she lived along with 6 other brothers and sisters. She married David Weldon Malena in 1956, and they had 2 children. She was known to most of her family and friends by her middle name Gyndola. She was known by all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren simply as Grandma or Granny-Grandma. Gyndola loved all her family very much, and they all adored her. She was always there for them at any time and could not wait for them to visit (especially all the grandchildren). Gyndola had a strong faith in God and was a member of the Union Street Church of Christ. Her faith was not limited to the Church though, Gyndola had faith in everyone she met. She would always find the ‘good’ in people and was a very generous and caring person.
Gyndola leaves behind two children, son, David Malena and wife, Tina of Whitesboro, Texas; daughter, Tricia (Ridley) Palmer of Whitesboro, Texas; five grandchildren, Crystal Malena of Gainesville, Texas; Mischel (Ridley) Woodruff and husband, Zane of Bentonville, Arkansas; Derek Malena and wife, Brandi of Farmersville, Texas; Jorie Reiter and husband, Ethan of Alpharetta, Georgia; Tanya Malena of The Colony, Texas; eleven great-grandchildren and three brothers, Wendell, Waymon and Wayland Bagwell.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Weldon Malena, her parents, one granddaughter, Andria D’Ane (Ridley) Prather, and two of her brothers and two of her sisters.
Pallbearers will be Derek Malena, Dakota Malena, Blake Malena, Zane Woodruff, Payton Woodruff, Ethan Reiter, Harley Mitchell, Dustin Gibson, and JC Lunsford.
In accordance with the CDC, strict social distancing will be observed, masks will be required. The family request, in accordance with keeping everyone safe, please no handshakes or hugs during this time.
Funeral Services honoring Gyndola will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 18, 2021 at the funeral home.
She was a. Mighty sweet lady. Loved her and her husband. He was one of my Dad’s best friends.
I’ve know her all my life what a nice person makes my heart heavy that’s she.s gone Rest in piece love u Ilene
David I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gyndola, you will so be missed.
You and Grandpa were exceptional grandparents. The things you guys used to do with Crystal, Derek, Andie, Miki and Jorie.Taking all five of them out in the boat for a picnic on an island and they were small kids.
You and Weldon were special people. Everyone loved you guys and you guys loved and cared for
them right back. We will miss you so much. I will miss our talks.
God Bless Tricia and David .
I know the rest of your family is hurting but God will watch over them. I know you and Weldon are having a wonderful reunion in Heaven. Also with your brothers and sisters.
Y’all are now Guardian Angels to Crystal, Derek, Miki and Jorie and the eleven greats y’all have.
They should be OK knowing Grandma and Grandpa are watching over them. We loved y’all so much and will never forget you.
Dustin, Michael,Mackenzie, Jadyn, Dakota, Blake,Peyton, Ryleigh,Harley,Preston and Delanie .
David and Tricia, I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.
David and Tina,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Gyndola always had a smile and sweet disposition. Always glad to greet and meet with anyone and everyone. She will truly be missed.