Mary Jean Maroney

Mary Jean Maroney passed away Thursday, September 8, 2011 in Lufkin after an illness following complications from surgery.
Mary Jean was born to Thomas Jean Shotwell and Mary Emma Garvice Stuart Shotwell on September 1, 1931. She attended Lufkin High School and Texas Christian University. She married J.T. Maroney, Jr. on April 30, 1952. They had three children, Melinda Maroney Johnston, James Travis Maroney, III, and David Jean Maroney. Mary Jean and Judge Maroney were married 30 years.
Mary Jean wrote for the Diboll Free Press for many years. She was active in the Democratic Party in Angelina County and on the state and national level for many years. She attended the Democratic National Convention in 1960 to nominate Lyndon Johnson for President. Mary Jean and J.T. continued to be active in politics for many years, participating in several state and national campaigns.
Mary Jean enjoyed hunting and fishing with her brothers, Ned and Buddy, and parents, Garvice and Jean. She fished and hunted for many years in Colorado when she was younger, and later was always a familiar face on Sam Rayburn fishing for bass. She also enjoyed many years of golfing with J.T. She was surrounded in life by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary Jean never met a stranger. Her smile and laugh were infectious. She had a joy for living and the out of doors. She was an avid gardener and always enjoyed her yard. She was recently named ""Garden Club Member of the Year.""
Mary Jean was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brothers. She is survived by her children, Melinda Maroney Johnston and her husband Jerry, Travis Maroney and Lisa Scott, and David Maroney. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Justin Williams and his wife Pam of Austin, Ryan Williams and her husband Jeremiah Raya of Austin, J.T. Maroney IV and his wife Shelley of Boerne, and David Jean Maroney, Jr. of Pollok. She is survived by three great grandchildren, Ali and Kylie Maroney of Boerne, and Layla Grayce Williams-Raya of Austin.
Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Dogwood Garden Club in care of Edna Killion, 1207 Oleta Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901; or to the Pine Tree Garden Club in care of Pat Brasse, 1006 Champion Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75901.
Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors