13/05/2025
Wallisville, Texas
A Piece of My Family
Tucked away along the quiet stretch of Wallisville Turtle Bayou Road is a place that holds a deep part of my family’s history — our family cemetery. Under towering oak trees draped with Spanish moss and fields scattered with wildflowers, you’ll find the resting place of my grandmother, Ann “Silva” Vaughan, along with other family members.
To me, she was Mema. To others, she was Mama or Aunt Ann. No matter what you called her, she was known for her big heart, bold personality, and the way she made everyone feel like they were part of the family.
Wallisville might be a small town, but its character runs deep. From historic churches and old homesteads to winding roads that carry stories of generations past, being here feels like stepping back into a simpler, more meaningful time.
Mema had a love for hibiscus flowers. Their bright, bold blooms reflect her vibrant spirit and the love she poured into her family. Every time I see one, I’m reminded of her sharp wit, her laughter, and her strong roots in this piece of Texas.
It’s not a big place. But it’s where our family’s stories were told, where memories grow wild like the trees by the bayou.
— Cully Mulryan
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