Mary Jane Maddox

Mary Jane Maddox, 87, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at her residence in Harlingen.

Mary Jane was born on July 30, 1931 in Hayti, MO to Francis and Nelle Mae Shipton.  She married James Thomas Maddox on December 27, 1958.  She was always an outstanding student and an avid reader, as she could most often be found in a quiet spot with a book.   Education was important to Mary Jane as she proved that by being the Valedictorian of her High School Class.   She then attended and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelors Degree in History and then attained a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).

Mary Jane was a teacher for over 35 years, with a short, but fulfilling experience as a social worker.  She taught and resided in many towns from Hayti, MO, Oxford, MS, Memphis, TN, Knoxville, TX, Dyersburg, TN, and finally to Harlingen, TX.

She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, adult Sunday School Teacher, member of Alpha Delta Kappa (International Honorary Organization for Women Educators), member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), member and served as State President of TSTA (Texas State Teacher’s Association), and a Passionate Animal Lover.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Nell Maddox of Seattle, WA and Margaret Maddox of Scottsdale, AZ and by a cousin, Mariella Hayes of Tupelo, MS.  She was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Maddox in 1983.

Visitation hours were held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home in Harlingen.

A Celebration of Mary Jane’s life was held at the First United Methodist Church in Harlingen, 10:00 AM, Monday, September 24, 2018 with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

She loved flowers, so those would certainly be appreciated or a donation may be made to your favorite charity.

Mary Jane will be most remembered for her passion for education, living an ethical life, and being incredibly social and fun to be around!