Emily Jean Fahrenthold McDonald Appelt, 91, of Hallettsville, Mama Jean to family and friends, passed peacefully Saturday, May 11, 2024.  She was born on January 25, 1933, to William & Epsy Fahrenthold of Hallettsville, Texas.  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 & husband David of Fredericksburg, their children, Matt Mitchell & wife Gretchen of Austin and Gabe Mitchell & wife April of Katy; son Murray McDonald & wife Cindy of Victoria, their daughters, Emily Robinson & husband Justin of Victoria and Allyson Hull & husband Logan of Victoria; son-in-law Mike Cannon, his children, Beau Cannon of Portland, Oregon and Aubra McGuire & husband Ryan of San Antonio; stepson Darrel Appelt & wife Melanie of Columbus; stepdaughter Laura Evans & 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.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Sublime Baptist Church. Visitation: starting at 5 pm Wednesday to 7 pm at Kubena Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Beau Cannon, Mike Cannon, Dana Edge, Darrel Appelt, Logan Hull, David Mitchell, Matt Mitchell and Gabe Mitchell.  Officiant:  Pastor Jeremy Kraatz. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Sublime Baptist Church or South Texas Children's Home. Burial: Geiger Cemetery, Sublime, TX.