Mary Sue King

Mary Sue Shoopman King passed away on November 27, 2025, in Kyle, Texas after a fearsome battle with cancer. Born on October 1, 1953, in Corona, California, Sue's zest for life, love of learning, and passion for gardening left an indelible mark on all who knew her flashing eyes, impish smile, and bright pink hair.

Sue's childhood home was Baytown, Texas, where she instructed her three younger siblings in all things, including the correct way to make proper mudpies, the precise instant that a breeze became running wind, even (as a fourth grader) the political ramifications of the assassination of JFK. She attended Kubasaki High School on Okinawa, where she sang with the choir, performed in theatre, and was a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. Her love of literature led her to the English Department at Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts, later followed by a Master's degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Sue served most of her career as a school librarian with the Austin Independent School District, becoming a Smithsonian Fellow, a National Board Certified Librarian and active member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Sue was a voracious reader from childhood, when she devoured many of the classics before she began high school. At the time of her death, she had over 7,000 books on her Kindle, all of which she had read (some more than once). She loved story time with the children in her library, a truly kid-centered place where children could touch the chunks of crystal or rocks around the shelves, where you might see a rabbit hopping along near the stacks, where she created hand-stamped bookmarks for everyone who came through, where she used (and shared) her 2,000-piece rubber stamp collection to create hundreds of cards, invitations, wrapping paper for anyone who asked, where she served hundreds of homemade cupcakes or soup at faculty meetings.

Sue did nothing halfway. She loved jewelry and became a GIA-certified gemologist. She and her stepdaughter Amy took cake decorating classes and became artists with icing. She loved corresponding with handwritten letters or -her favorite - postcards, and mailed hundreds of postcards to friends. She loved the Japanese art of flower arrangement called ikebana, and she studied with ikebana masters for about four years. She and her husband discovered their passion for flying kites at the beach, and for a while, they flew maybe 25 at a time, to the delight of everyone nearby.

Sue was a fierce advocate. She stood up and spoke on behalf of overlooked students, facing backlash with a backbone not often seen these days. She cheered on those she loved with energy and sharp (sometimes biting) wit. She gave people second, third, fourth chances. She listened. She could nail a situation with just a handful of words. Yet she was unflagging throughout her life to become a better person.

Sue was a lifelong gardener and became an avid member and respected leader in the gardening community. After her retirement from public school service, she became a Travis County Master Gardener and a National Garden Club Life Flower Show Judge. Her expertise was also sought after as an NGC Environmental Consultant. Sue's leadership qualities shone brightly as she served as a Texas Garden Clubs, Inc. District V officer and held positions in several local gardening clubs, including the Violet Crown Garden Club and the Georgetown Garden Club. She was meticulous and creative as the Secretary of the Capitol City Judges Council and the Flower Show Symposium Chairman for the San Antonio Judges Council.

Sue's enthusiasm for floral design was contagious. Her dedication to the craft took her across the nation to attend Floral Design Conferences on both coasts annually. She was always eager to absorb new knowledge and share it with others, constantly planning and strategizing to encourage others in the art of floral display. Her skill in writing flower show schedules and chairing events for the Violet Crown was unmatched, showcasing her ability to organize and inspire.

Loving, selfless, and passionate, Sue's boundless energy and influence extended beyond her immediate family and touched the lives of countless students, garden club members, colleagues and friends. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Timothy King, her stepdaughter, Amy Margaret King, her mother, Dixie Williams Shoopman, and her siblings, Gretchen Bernabei, Laurel Smith, and Hank Shoopman along with his wife, Vicky, her eight nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Mary Sue Shoopman King's life was a testament to the beauty of energetic dedication and tender caring. She is already deeply missed, yet her vibrant spirit continues to bloom in the gardens she tended and the hearts she touched. Sue's story is one of love, learning, and the beauty of the natural world-a story that will be cherished by everyone who knew her.

Her memorial service will be held at the Zilker Park Botanical Gardens Auditorium on January 3 at 1:00 p.m.