Mass of Christian burial for Doris LaVerne (Pal) Hudgins Nolan, 90, of Marshall, Texas, will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at St. Joseph Church in Marshall, Texas, officiated by Assistant Pastor Reverend Carlos O. Rangel. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at 6 PM at the chapel of Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, followed by the recitation of the rosary at 7:15 PM, also led by Father Rangel. Mrs. Nolan departed her earthly life to join the Lord in heaven at 5:19 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2014, surrounded by her four daughters and their families. She was born June 16, 1924, to Annie Cecilia Smith and George Edward Hudgins, Sr. in Marshall. She was the baby of the family, and her maternal grandfather Charles A. Smith ("Papa Smith") nicknamed her "Pal," the moniker maintained throughout her life. Although quiet as a child, she acquired her first self-described "dream" job at age sixteen as a ticket salesperson at Paramount Theater in downtown Marshall. She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Marshall and earned salutatorian status in her class. She next graduated from St. Mary's Business School and acquired what she called her first "real" job at Marshall Mill and Elevator. On June 8, 1947, she married John James (Jimmy) Nolan at St. Joseph Church in Marshall, and they celebrated their sixty-fifth anniversary in 2012. During her daughters' college years, she worked at Marshall National Bank for twelve years and then returned to her favorite occupation - homemaker. Faith and family always highlighted her life as she spent most of her life in the company of her husband and four daughters. She will be remembered for her unwavering unselfishness, her endless patience, her infectious laugh, her heartfelt advice to her daughters and grandchildren, her active prayer life, as well as her fondness of black and white movies. Even in later life those around her mentioned that her favorite prayer was the "Hail Mary," for which she was known to pray faithfully. She has been a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church and served in the Mothers' Club when her daughters attended St. Mary's Academy and later, St. Joseph School. In addition, she served as a Camp Fire leader during her daughters' long tenure with the organization. In later life she assisted her husband during his local delivery route with "Meals on Wheels." She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her sister and brother-in-law Evelyn Hudgins Meisenheimer and Roy Lee Meisenheimer, Sr., her brother and sister-in-law George Edward Hudgins, Jr. and Sandy Hudgins of San Diego, California and her grandson Jack M. Carson III ("Jackie"). She is survived by four daughters, Linda N. Pruitt and husband Jerry, Sharon N. Carson, Janet N. Wells and Lisa N. Adams and husband Jody, all of Marshall. Also surviving her are her grandchildren Brandy Flanagan Smith and husband Wesley of Marshall, Brian Adams and wife Mandi , Allison Adams Gay and husband Art, all of Tyler, and Caron Carson Ford and Texie Carson Nash and husband Michael, all of Marshall. Her surviving great-grandchildren are Alexis Smith and Weston Smith of Marshall, Jake Adams, Trent Adams and Ellie Adams of Tyler, Bella Carson Ford and Jax Nolan Ford, Duncan Nash, Jon Michael Nash, Dylan Nash, Leslie Davis Weir and husband Daniel, all of Marshall. Her great-great granddaughter is Texie Grace Weir of Marshall. Pallbearers will be Brian Adams, Jake Adams, Arthur Gay, Wesley Smith, Jody Adams, Jerry Pruitt and George Meisenheimer. Honorary pallbearers are Terry Venden and Dr. Y.M. Pham. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to her special friends and caregivers Emma Lee, Pearlie Lee and Sandy Brown. Special thanks are extended to the loving nursing staff and caregivers of C-wing and D-wing of Marshall Manor Nursing Home, as well as Marshall HomeCare and Hospice, especially Sue Perkins. Her family sends abundant gratitude to the Legion of Mary of St. Joseph Church for their steadfast loyalty to their mother. Her family also extends love and gratitude to her best friend, Annie Grimes of Marshall. Flowers are permitted at the funeral home or donations can be sent in her name to St. Joseph Church, 410 N. Alamo, Marshall, Tx. 75670