Mary Beth Shores

Mary Beth Ladner Shores was born on January 17th, 1945, in Fairdale, Texas, at Aunt Nettie's house. She passed from this life into the next on March 30th, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elzie and Madie Ladner, her brother, Thomas Ladner, and her sisters and their husbands, Katie & Harold Smith, Reba & Maurice Williams, Leona & JD Warden, brother-in-law, Hank Shores, sister-in-law, Peggy Michael, and one great granddaughter, Heidi Newell.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Freddy Shores, daughter, Teri Newell and husband Keith; son, Todd Shores and Jill; Cindy Burton; sister, Clarene Anderson and husband, John; beloved sister-in-law, Cheryl Wilfer; grandchildren Shawn (Rachel), Elana (Ryan), Elizabeth (Matthew), Rebekah and Grace; Jessica (Cliff), Zach, Josh (Haley), Levi (Morgan); her nephew Gary and wife, Barbara; her special Ladner nieces, Leisa Kim, Kathy Dean, Rachel, and Cynthia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-grandchildren.

Mary was a faithful member of the Creekwood Church of Christ. She was full of spunk and life. She loved to cook, shell purple hull peas, watch the Wheel of Fortune, and spend time with her grandchildren. Mary loved to talk about the good old days growing up with her family in Hemphill. They had very little money, but their home was rich with love. Every day when they arrived home from school, her mom had supper and a cake ready on the table, all cooked on a butane stove. Her family used kerosene lamps and well water until around 1955 when they finally acquired electricity, which she said was the most impactful invention in her lifetime.

One of Mary's notable childhood past-times was smoking whatever she and her sisters could get their hands on: pine straw, sweet gum leaves, and corn silks. However, her favorite things to do were playing "church" in the old schoolhouse and swimming in the creek. In 1959, her teeth were knocked out when a tornado flipped the school bus her father drove, where her family had taken shelter during the storm. She was tough as nails.

Mary worked. She was in the workforce as a beautician, welder, and diligent homemaker. The men at American Bridge were jealous because she made sure everything was perfect, producing more pipe than any of them. She kept the house fastidiously clean (and nobody better sit on her made beds), and she always had something good cooked to eat. She loved to help and serve others in any way she could, whether it was making cheesecakes, frying shrimp, or buying gifts. Mary said that the only prize she had ever won in her life was her husband, Freddy. But now, Mary has won her eternal prize, forever with real angels, singing praises to Him. Worship is not just in the old schoolhouse anymore, but in a mansion as radiant as the diamonds that she adored. She can now forever breathe easily, in the presence of Jesus and her beloved parents, brother, and sisters, to which she demonstrated unwavering devotion.

Until her last breath, the person that gave her the most peace and comfort was her devoted daughter, Teri, who in her words was truly the "daughter she never had." A special thanks to the wonderful care given to Mary by her son-in-law, her grandchildren, sister-in-law, and her devoted caregiver, Radreka.

Graveside services will begin 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 in Mt. Sinai Cemetery in the Fairdale Community of Hemphill, Texas under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Jay Loyd officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Gary Williams, Little John Anderson, Matthew Campbell, Shawn Newell, Ryan Replogle and Tommy Polk.

Mary loved flowers so if you want to express your love for her and her family in flowers that would be lovely. Otherwise, she also loved the Lord and if you would like to make a memorial contribution to Church of Christ India, 501 Kirchwood St, Plainview, TX, 79072, or the Building Fund for the Creekwood Church of Christ at 7650 Guillory Road, Orange, TX. 77632 in her name that would live on eternally.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.