Mary Wade Shanks

Mary Wade Shanks was born Mary Ridley Wade in Nashville, TN, on July 30, 1950. As an adolescent, Mary discovered her love of cold water swimming, enjoying that activity while living in Vermont in the early 1960s. Mary would happily stay in the chilly swimming hole long after her siblings had bailed.

She first attended Vanderbilt University, where her father, John W. Wade, served as Dean of Vanderbilt Law School. It was at Vanderbilt that she met Thomas A. Shanks Jr., the man who would become her lifelong partner. The couple married on December 28, 1971, and remained devoted to each other for nearly 53 years, until Thomas's death on November 22, 2024.

Mary completed her education at Peabody College, which later merged with Vanderbilt University, and went on to have a rewarding career in elementary education. Mary worked as a teacher in Texas and Florida before retiring in 2014 from Woodward Elementary School in DeKalb County, Georgia. She was beloved by her classes and known for her deep commitment to her students, often going beyond the classroom to ensure their well-being. She even learned Spanish from her students to better assist them and their families, demonstrating a rare dedication to their success and comfort.

Mary worked tirelessly to help families in need. Whether it was helping a student’s family find legal assistance, donating furniture to a family who had lost their home in a fire, or offering clothes to a homeless person who "happened" to share the same size as her husband, Mary was a quiet but unwavering force for good in her community.

Mary was also an active and devoted member of Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church, and a staple at their women’s retreats. She considered herself a master gardener, a love she shared with her fellow churchgoers, and will be remembered fondly for her laughter and positive attitude.

Mary and Tom were long-time members of both the Coca-Cola Collectors' Club and its Atlanta chapter. She attended most of the monthly meetings and served as the chapter's Secretary in her later years, even as her health declined. Her commitment to the club extended beyond meetings; she was a frequent volunteer at the club's annual Springtime in Atlanta convention, helping with registration and other activities.

Mary passed away on January 7, 2025, just 47 days after the death of her husband. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas A. Shanks Jr, and she is survived by their son, Thomas A. Shanks III. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 1, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary's honor to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org.