Mary K Shea

Mary Knight Chevaillier Shea died on September 5, 2010, having given so much to so many throughout her life. A sweet gentle kindness and a joyful disposition tinged with humor and wit endeared her to all who knew her. During their brief sojourn in Tennessee, Mary was born to Katie Lothrop Chevaillier and Lewis B. Chevaillier on December 28, 1920, but spent her childhood in her mother’s beloved hometown of Marshall, Texas. Mary’s formative years often confronted her with difficult challenges. At the age of six she saw her family’s home burn to the ground on Christmas Eve leaving them with only their night clothes. She was twelve when she was separated from her parents and her older brother due to the privations of the Great Depression. She was sent to live with an aunt in Los Angeles for a year and then lived for another year with an uncle’s family in Oklahoma. The day that she returned to her family in Marshall her was the day of her father’s funeral. Despite, or perhaps because of these hardships, Mary became a warm and charming young lady. After graduation from Marshall High School, she worked her way through Texas Women’s University. She then became a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines, flying between Brownsville, Dallas and Chicago throughout World War II. She met her husband, Irl Victor Shea II, on a blind date in Dallas. At that time Vic Shea was posted at Ft. Hood, Texas. They were married on June 6, 1946, upon his return from fighting in Europe. Mary and Vic settled for the remainder of their lives in Levelland, Texas, which they considered their own heaven of the high plains. Mary raised her three children, Cathy, Sally and Victor, while teaching in the Levelland Public Schools. She taught fourth grade at South Elementary before teaching physical education at Levelland Jr. High. She was also the LJH cheerleader sponsor. She also attended night and summer school at Texas Tech completing her MA in physical education. Mary then moved to South Plains College to be the head of the women’s physical education department, as well as director of the Tex-Anns Drill Team. Mary was always active in her community. She taught Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church of Levelland, was a girl scout troop leader and a member of the American Association of University Women serving a tenure as president of the Levelland chapter. Following her retirement, Mary continued volunteering her time with such activities as delivering Meals-on-Wheels. She enjoyed her bridge clubs but, foremost, she enjoyed golf. Mary regularly competed in regional golf tournaments, many of which she won. At the age of seventy she became a certified scuba diver.

Mary touched the lives of so many in Levelland. She will long be remembered by many young women that she taught and mentored during her professional career.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-three years, Vic Shea, and is survived by her three children, Cathy McDow and her husband David, of Houston, Sally Shea and her husband Rex Rittmann, of Dallas, and Victor Shea, also of Dallas. The children extend their heartfelt gratitude to many of Mary’s friends who became caregivers during the last few years, as well as to the wonderful people of the Beehive Home of Levelland.

There will be viewing from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at George Price Funeral Home, Levelland, Texas. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Friday, September 10, 2010 at the First Presbytrerian Church, Marshall, Texas with Dr. David Snow, officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Marshall, Texas under care of Lakeview Funeral Home, Longview, Texas. Local arrangements are under care of George Price Funeral Home, Levelland, Texas. To join the family in celebrating Mary’s life, go to www.georgepricefunerals.com