Mary was born in Spring, Texas, and as a child, she spent her summers there with her cousins, aunts and maternal grandparents, who affectionately called her "Lannie." Galveston was her childhood home, where she attended nursing school, and also where she met her husband of 45 years, Thornton Lewis.  Mary graduated from nursing school and attained her L. V. N. license. She and Thornton were married on the October 7, 1972, and made a home and raised their family in Texas City, TX.She was a nurse for more than 40 years, a loved mother, grandmother, wife and member of McKinney Memorial Methodist Church.  Mary was a natural caregiver and even after she retired from nursing, willingly lent a hand with the sick or cared for a little one. She loved babies and found great joy in her 6 grandchildren.