Mary Frances Lorenz

Mary passed away quietly at Arlington Memorial Hospital on September 20, 2023. She was born in Pilot Point, Texas to Juanita (Newton) and Charles Harpole. Her mother later married Olen R. Knightstep and was raised by Juanita and Olen from the age of 3. As a child of the depression era, the family moved often.

Mary married John A. Jones in 1950 in Grand Prairie, Texas. They had three children before moving to Arlington, Texas. The family moved to rural Mansfield in 1960 where they farmed and grew vegetables, as well as raising numerous animals, including horses, cows, chickens and pigs. Mary and John would often ride their horses in the opening show of the Kowbell Rodeo in Mansfield.

At the age of 37, Mary graduated from the Arlington Memorial Hospital nursing program where she received her L.V.N. certificate and scored in the top of those tests. She practiced nursing in Arlington and then in the Deland, Florida area until she retired at the age of 65. Mary maintained her nursing license by taking continuing education hours well into her 80's.

Mary married Herman H. Lorenz, Jr. In 1970. They lived in Arlington briefly before moving to Florida and eventually settled in Lake Helen, FL where she lived for over 40 years before moving back to Arlington, Texas in 2016. Mary and Herman enjoyed riding motorcycles and going camping in their camper/trailer.

Mary enjoyed gardening and people would stop by to compliment her on her beautiful yard. She continued to make her space beautiful when she moved to the Lake Helen Villas where she lived until the move back to Texas.

Along with gardening, Mary was an avid quilter and produced many beautiful quilts and wall hangings which are proudly displayed by friends and family. More recently, Mary turned to crocheting and gifted many scarfs and afghans to family and to friends and staff at her residence in Pantego.

Mary was preceded in death by both her husbands, her son, Jay Jones and grandson, Brian (Baron). Mary is survived by her two daughters, Nita Conlan (Michael), Bainbridge Island, WA. and Connie Bauer, Burleson, TX; grandchildren, Laura Thrasher, Melissa Bauer, Mark Bauer, Stephen Bauer, Scott Bauer, Paul Bauer, Dustin Bauer and six great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to the staff at The Morada and caregivers, Deborah and Amy at Bluebonnet.