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Mary Louise Russell Norris Perry, 91, of Conroe, Texas passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023. Mary was born November 22, 1932, in Texas City, Texas in the home of her Aunt and Uncle to the late Madelena Edna McCauley Russell and Louie Franklin Russell. Mary graduated from Alvin High School in 1951 where she enjoyed art, tennis, and all kinds of social activities. Mary grew up in a household supported by her mother, grandmother and many uncles who worked their dairy farm and raised cattle. Mary had many cousins that lived in Alvin and shared stories of her daily interactions with the Libby and McCauley cousins. Mary enjoyed working the cattle, hauling hay, and developed a love of nature. Mary was a girl but enjoyed doing the work that typically the men and boys would do. Mary would ride Jake, the family's brahman bull down the road to lead the cows into the next pasture.

Mary developed a passion for drawing as a child by observing the changing shapes of clouds in the sky while lying in the tops of trees she would climb. In school, many of her art pieces were inspired by Farm and Ranch magazines. Mary had an opportunity to study art and had plans to attend college but decided after buying her books to take a job with the Southwestern bell phone company in Alvin. Mary was introduced to her first husband, Frank Duane Norris, by one of her closest cousins, Carol Jean Libby, while they were both running track at Texas A&M University. Mary and Frank married on March 25, 1956, and moved to Fort Rucker Alabama. Frank was in the Army and was later attended flight school in Staten Island New York when their daughter, Mary Justine "Justine" was born. Mary and Frank welcomed two sons, Russell Duane "Duane", and Frank Patrick "Patrick", both born in Falfurrias, Texas, where the family lived for 11 years. Mary and Frank relocated to Dickinson, Texas in 1969. While in Dickinson, Mary cared for her family and managed a career with Merle Norman Cosmetics. Following Frank's banking career, the family moved to Round Rock and later League City, Texas. Mary had a love for football and traveled to many Aggie Football games while Duane and Patrick were students at Texas A & M.

Mary loved to create not only art, but floral arrangements. She began her own company, Creations by Mary in 1983 which allowed her to freelance all kinds of decorating. She enjoyed making floral designs for weddings as well as commercial Christmas decorations in many banks. Mary also held the title of Marketing Director and Floral Consultant for Interior Design Source in Clear Lake City, Texas. Mary's love of art also led her to become a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. She continued to develop her art skills by attending classes at the Alfred C. Glassell School of Art. Mary was proud to be associated with the Garden Club of League City and Galveston Art League, to name a few.

Mary met her 2nd husband, George Perry, in 1992, while square dancing at The Hanger in Friendswood, Texas. Initially they lived in Alvin, but moved to Winchester and established the Lone Star Ranch where they enjoyed friends and family visiting. Mary and George participated in raising pecans, gardening, and being with the nature on the Colorado River on their ranch. Mary and George relocated to The Woodlands in 2000 to be closer to family.

Mary's greatest legacy is her faith in our Lord. She was a member of The Woodlands Methodist church since 2000. Mary was a member of many Sunday school classes, a Prime Timer member, a leader of Renew Bible Study, a church service greeter, a student in Art with Vision, and founded a program at the church called For the Love of Piano Music. In her latter days, Mary would rejoice when she was able to attend the Gathering Place at the church.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Justine Norris Crabbe and husband Mark Crabbe of The Woodlands, son, Patrick Norris and wife Bernice Norris of Conroe. Mary is also survived by 5 grandsons, Wesley Crabbe and wife Lindsey Crabbe of Dallas, Michael Crabbe and wife Jessica Crabbe of Laguna Niguel, California, William Crabbe and wife Katie Crabbe of Youngsville, Louisiana, Luke Norris of Conroe, John Norris of Houston. Mary was blessed with 9 great grandchildren from the ages of 2 to 10: Chaney Crabbe, Abigail Crabbe, Hayes Crabbe, Guy Crabbe, Dean Crabbe, Claire Crabbe, Ava Crabbe, Lucie Crabbe, and Wells Crabbe. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The service will be Monday, January 8, 2024, in the Robb Chapel at The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380. The service will be led by Bishop Bob Hayes. The Pallbearers will consist of her five grandsons and son Patrick Norris. Viewing will begin at 10:00 A.M. followed by the chapel service at 11:00 A.M. Fellowship and luncheon for all in attendance will follow in Aldersgate Hall until 2:00 P.M. There will not be a funeral procession to the cemetery. The graveside service will begin in Alvin Texas at the Confederate Cemetery at 998 Dickinson Road, Alvin, TX 77511 at 4:00 PM. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Woodlands Methodist Church Foundation in her honor and legacy. Pallbearers are Patrick Norris, Wesley Crabbe, Michael Crabbe, William Crabbe, Luke Norris, and John Norris. Honorary Pallbearers are Mark Crabbe, Charles Edward McCauley, and Robert Lee McCauley. Guests of honor are Pearl Carter and Vanessa Sifuentes, her loving caregivers.

Link to Mary's life story:

Mary's Life Story