Marie Inez Shepard

Marie Russell Shepard, age 78 yrs, of Hull Texas, was called home on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Marie was born on December 10, 1946, to R.E. Russell Jr., and Lois Morgan Russell in Houston, Texas.

Marie was a compassionate and caring individual as is reflected in her life’s work as a registered nurse. She graduated from Texas Women’s University of Denton, Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree as a Registered Nurse. She held many different positions of nursing including head nurse at several East Texas hospitals including Cleveland, Orange, Port Arthur, Houston, Beaumont, and Huntsville. She worked for Harris County Hospital District for 15 plus years before retirement. Marie received several awards for outstanding and dedicated service during her years as a nurse. She found enjoyment in helping people and training the incoming young doctors to be more aware of patients’ needs. From her point of view, what changes need to take place in the healthcare system? Her answer was the number one thing is focus on quality of life instead of money…to incorporate the whole person…body, mind, and spirit. Marie was also passionate about helping women overcome hurt from their past and to become a whole healthy person with a positive outlook on life. She was an avid reader and loved to travel and meet new people. Marie loved her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed eating out with friends and family.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her son James, brothers, Edwin (Jed) Russell, R.E. Russell III, and David A. Russell. Marie is survived by her son Tommy Shepard (Cheryl) of Willis Texas, her daughter-in-law Sheila Shepard of Conroe, Texas, her sisters, Betty Cox (Lewis) of Alto, Texas, Inez Frye Weishuhn (Claude) of Livingston, Texas, Roberta Fregia (Tommy) of Hull, Texas, Sue Wille of Fort Smith Arkansas, Annette Chambers of Shepherd, Texas, and Caroline Russell of Crosby, Texas. She is also survived by 3 brothers, William M. Russell (Frances) of Dayton, Texas, Bruce Russell of Highlands, Texas, Kyle Russell (Renee) of Montgomery, Louisiana. Surviving grandchildren are T.J. Shepard (Rachelle), J.J. Shepard Jr., Faith Bean (Isaac), Taylor Mertz, and Brando Mertz. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Grayson Shepard, Levi Bean, Hadleigh Mertz, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 am Saturday, December 13, 2025, at New Life Church Batson 42493 Hwy 105, Batson, Texas. Pastor Bill Campbell will speak. Friends and family will have lunch and time of fellowship after the service.

Cremations services are under the care of Faith and Family Funeral Services, Batson, Texas.