Mary Ellen Landrum, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Tyler, Texas, on July 20, 2026.Mary was born on January 5, 1932, in Palestine, Texas, to Homer and Sadie Rankin. Raised in Palestine, she attended Palestine High School, graduating with the Class of 1949. In 1983, Mary married T.J. Landrum, with whom she shared many wonderful years.Dedicated to caring for others, Mary worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) at both Park Highland Nursing Home and Greenbrier Nursing Home, retiring after 12 years of devoted service. Outside of her career, she found great joy in cooking and participating in church events. Her family will always cherish the memory of her incredible cooking, her loyal friendship, and her role as an unconditionally loving mother.Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Sadie Rankin; her husband, T.J. Landrum; her son, Todd Thorton; and her four brothers.She is survived by her son, Tad Thorton; grandsons, Adam Thorton and Eric Barrios; granddaughter April McDaniel; 2 great-grandchildren and her close family friend, Dawn Small. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, care, and kindness that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
