Ms. Mary Lee Box's Obituary
Mary Lee Box was received into the arms of our Savior on June 6, at the age of 88. She was born on February 18, 1926 in Houston, Texas. She is survived by longtime companion, Larry Kendrick and leaves a long legacy through her sons Dan Key (Angie) and Charles Key (Linda) and daughter Janet Key Allen (Martin), 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great. We know she will be rejoicing with her parents, Juanita and Richard Shank, brothers, Raymond and Derwin Shank, daughter, Phylis Key Harris and grandson, David Lawrence Harris Jr. as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Although she worked full time her entire adult life, "MeMe" as she was affectionately known to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great, great-grandchildren could best be remembered for holiday gatherings. She would start weeks before Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas baking cookies, pies, candy, and cakes all with a single oven, to make sure everyone in attendance would have their favorite desserts. She was able to cook a turkey, ham and roast, her famous rice and oyster dressing, corn bread dressing, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, hot rolls and all the trimmings which became our holiday traditions. Everyone was welcome, family as well as friends of family. For "MeMe" the more the merrier. She loved nothing better than entertaining. In her later years, cooking was one of the things she missed the most.
She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of her own clothes by looking at an ad in Vogue Magazine, then making her own pattern on grocery sacks. She even made her own wedding gown and of course, all of our clothes. Her love for sewing remained until her final days. Most of all, she loved to dance and laugh. If there was a party or family event, you could count on "MeMe" coming if it was at all possible. We are grateful for the 88 years we had her on earth and thank God for blessing our family with a mother, wife and friend to teach us to love one another.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
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Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
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