Mary Jane Shields

Mary Jane Coleman Shields, 94, passed away Friday, December 5, 2014 in Tyler, Texas surrounded by her daughters and sons-in-law. The Heavens rejoiced at her arrival and her reunion with her Lord and Savior and earthly family who were waiting for her there.

Mary Jane was born in Lindale, Texas on August 4, 1920 to Henry and Tally Coleman. She graduated from Lindale High School in 1938 and married Darvin Shields one week after her 18th birthday. 67 years of marriage were celebrated before Darvin preceded her to Heaven in 2006. Mary Jane was a homemaker who was very accomplished at cooking, sewing, needlework and gardening. Plants thrived just by being in her presence. People did also. She was a wonderful mother to 3 daughters and sons-in-law: Ann and Buddy Wright of Palestine, Texas, Ellen and John McStay of Dallas, Texas, and Rhonda and Terry Kenyon of Hallsville, Texas. Her grandchildren were "stars in her crown": Myka Landry and husband Pat, Jamie Grayson and husband Paul, Dee Devlin and husband Eric, Judge McStay and wife, Kerry, Russell Legg and wife Sandra, Matt Legg and wife, Stefanie, Brooke Kenyon and Zach Kenyon. Her Great grandchildren were a joy in her later life: P.J. Landry, Jr. and wife Jessica, Brian Landry, Cole Devlin, Macey Devlin, Dutch McStay, Cash McStay, Alex Legg, Evan Legg, Cory Legg and Samantha Legg. She is also survived by two nieces and a nephew and their families who she greatly enjoyed: Betty Jordan of Lindale, Texas, Frances and Charles Hall of Tyler, Texas and Judy and James Brown of Lindale, Texas. After Mary Jane had raised her children, her life of encouragement and service continued while she worked as an LVN with cancer patients at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas. In her retirement years, she and her husband lived at Hideaway Lake and then, after his death, she moved to Tyler and resided at the Azalea Trails assisted living facility for the last 7 years.

A private family graveside service is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Mt. Pisgah Cementery in Wood County, Texas officiated by Rev. Craig Lacy, a longtime friend and pastor of Lake Country Bible Church in Mineola .

Memorials may be given to The Muscular Dystrophy Association for her great grandson, Evan Legg, The Parkinson's Voice Project for her daughter, Virginia Ann Wright or to the charity of your choice.