Mary C. Crowley (1915-1986)
Thousands of lives have been changed by the wisdom and guidance shared by Mary C. Crowley, founder of Home Interiors and Gifts, Inc. Her life’s mission was to honor God and bless and serve others.
Mary C. Crowley was born in 1915 and grew up in the state of Missouri. Years later, Mary overcame tremendous obstacles as a single mother by moving to Dallas during the depression with her two small children, Don and Ruth. Determined to create a better life for herself and her family, Mary spent her days working and attended evening classes at Southern Methodist University. With her incredible vision, leadership qualities and sheer tenacity, Mary started Home Interiors and Gifts in 1957 which grew to become a multi-million dollar corporation. Today, her company, Home Interiors and Gifts has over 100,000 sales associates across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico with annual sales exceeding $500 million.
In 1958, Mary was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. She received the best treatment available and due to her strong determination was on the road to recovery in no time. Mary was in remission for almost 27 years when what was originally diagnosed as a benign tumor in 1985, was in fact found to be another cancerous tumor—this time a squamous-cell head and neck cancer. Upon learning that cancer treatment options had not accelerated since her first bout with cancer, Mary decided to take a fundamental role in the changes occurring in cancer treatment alternatives. As a result, the Mary Crowley Medical Research Center, a free-standing 501(c)(3) non-profit center, was established in 1992 in order to expand treatment options for all cancer patients through the exploration of investigational gene and cellular therapies.
Mary Crowley’s desire and generosity became a reality that today extends to many locations nationwide. Her foundation is an enduring tribute to a woman whose unshakable faith in God kept her invested in the lives of others. Over the span of her life, she traveled across the nation training and counseling women on how to be independent Christian Women. She also served on many boards including the American Cancer Society, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The Salvation Army Advisory Board and the American Red Cross. She also served as the first woman on the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. A great friend of Mary’s, Ruth Graham said that “Mary’s greatest joy in getting is not to keep, but to share with others” which resonates to this day as Mary C. Crowley’s undying legacy.
