AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than seven months after the devastating flooding in Central Texas, the memories of that day remain painfully vivid for many, including Stacy Stevens and her family, who lost their 8-year-old daughter, Mary Barrett.
“She was the most joyful child you will ever meet,” said Stevens. “She was kind, thoughtful, inclusive, and full of faith.”
Mary Barrett was a camper at Camp Mystic when rising floodwaters swept away several campers and counselors.
“Obviously what happened to our daughters is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Stevens said. “A nightmare we didn’t even know we were supposed to have.”
The community rallied around the Stevens family, including Emily James, founder of Austin-based Tarry’s Apparel Co. Though she was out of town when she heard the news, James wanted to show support in a meaningful way.
“We decided to launch this pink sock in Mary’s honor, and we have not looked back since,” James said. So far, about 600 pairs of the MB Pink Tarry’s socks have been sold, with $10 from each pair going directly to the Live Like MB Foundation, which supports causes and communities Mary cared about.
“It was so sincere and thoughtful, and I was blown away by Emily’s generosity,” Stevens said.
James added that grief extends beyond immediate families.
“The grief isn’t just with the immediate families; it runs deep in our community,” she said.
For the Stevens family, the socks are a tangible reminder of Mary Barrett and the impact she had on those around her.
“Who knew that socks could make such a difference,” Stevens said. “Knowing that people pick them and think about Mary when they do—it means the world to us as a family.”
