Fiber Art Organization
in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

In Memoriam

Mary Ellen Searcy

In July 2025, Mary Ellen Searcy, a much-loved former member of DAFA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was 88. 

While Mary Ellen poured her heart into her family and community, she also carved out an extraordinary legacy in the world of fiber art. A nationally recognized artist and instructor, Mary Ellen’s innovative works blended fabric paints, metallic leaf, powders, inks, and found objects into stunning art quilts and collages. She held Level II teaching certification in canvas from the National Academy of Needlearts, and her award-winning pieces are included in private collections and the permanent collection of NAN.

She taught across North America for prestigious organizations including the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, the American Needlepoint Guild, the Embroiderers’ Association of Canada, and others. Her creativity, talent, and generosity of spirit inspired countless students and fellow artists. In recognition of her excellence, she was awarded the Jeanne Howard and Joan Muller Scholarships, and her piece Blue Opalescence Squared was selected for NAN’s permanent collection in 1993.

As a member of DAFA, she contributed by teaching an inspiring mini workshop on April 22, 2019 for a refined beaded buttonhole edge stitch for embellishing.

Mary Ellen generously donated her studio contents, including embroidery threads, and supplies, large amounts of beads, and many fiber art books to DAFA when she moved to assisted living a few years ago.

Mary Ellen was a woman of immense grace, strength, and quiet determination. She loved deeply, gave selflessly, and led by example in every chapter of her life—as a wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, artist, and community leader.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one or more of the organizations that were close to Mary Ellen’s heart: the American Needlepoint Guild, the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, and the Geneva All Sports Boosters.