Mary Louise Sorrells

Mary Louise Sorrells, 98, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Born on May 3, 1927, in Jacksonville, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Everett and Louise Baldwin.

Mary Louise grew up in Jacksonville alongside her sisters and brother - Juanita, Judy, and Everett (“Chip”) - each of whom remained dear to her throughout her life. She graduated from Mac Murray College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, an achievement she cherished and carried with her as she built a life marked by kindness and quiet strength.

Mary Louise married the love of her life, Basil Baumann Sorrells, with whom she shared many years of partnership and devotion. Together, they raised two sons and managed family life that took them across the country. Mary Louise embraced each new home with grace, living in Jacksonville, Illinois; Mount Vernon, Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; Park Ridge, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; San Carlos, California; West Bloomfield, Michigan; and finally, Houston, Texas.

An avid bridge player and enthusiastic golfer, Mary Louise enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship both activities brought her. She served as Chairperson of the Women’s Golf Association at Pine Forest Country Club in Houston - one of many communities where she formed lasting friendships. She never missed a Sunday playing golf with Basil or her son John and always looked forward to the family competition on these special outings. A lifelong reader, she found great comfort and joy in novels which kept her imagination lively. Every week Mary Louise made her way to her favorite Randalls grocery store and to this day, when the folks at Randalls see John, they still ask him to wish her the best.

Mary Louise is survived by her son, John Everett Sorrells, and his wife Yvonne, of Houston, Texas; her grandson, John Everett Sorrells, Jr., of Austin, Texas; her siblings Judy Wade and her husband Ron, and Chip Baldwin and his wife Emily. She was preceded in death by her husband, Basil; her son, Basil Baumann (“Mike”) Sorrells, Jr.; her granddaughter, Jacquelyn Nicole Sorrells; and her sister, Juanita Herrin.

Mary Louise will be remembered for her warmth and her love for family. Her legacy lives on in the generations who follow and in the many lives she touched across her long and remarkable journey.

The family will receive guests for a time of visitation at 10:00am, Friday, December 19, 2025, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. A graveside service will be held immediately following the visitation at 11:30am, Friday, December 19, 2025.

Mary Louise will be deeply missed.