DECEMBER 4, 1966 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2023
Obituary
With all of her family under her roof, Mary Magdalene Uresti hosted her final party in her own home and lay her crown at her Savior’s feet on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Mary knew how to welcome friends because she was born into a large extended family on December 4, 1966, to Lawrence Uresti Jr. and Patti Uresti. Mary grew up in East Texas and in 1985 was the salutatorian of a close-knit class of Tenaha High School. She then took on her greatest role as mother to Mark and Annie.
Mary tried to emulate Mary of the Gospels and spent much of her life sitting at Jesus’ feet learning the wisdom of Christ. She worked to put the first things first and knew what was lasting about this fleeting life. She believed only one thing was needed—Jesus—and she chose the good part which could not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42)
Mary taught this hope to her children and remained their best confidant and biggest champion. Her granddaughter Isabelle and nephew, Christopher Lawrence, knew they held special places in her heart as she never tired of telling their stories and showering them with love. Isabelle was her pride and joy; and Isabelle’s tenacity and sass, coupled with a tender heart, came largely from Mary’s influence in her life. Mary always had time for her friends and family. She was someone who remembered your stories and would spend late nights talking about life even if she had to get up early the next morning.
Throughout her life, Mary faced many hardships, but through it all she did not fear because she trusted God was her shield and in the end her reward was very great. (Genesis 15:1) Mary’s intelligence and determination led her to go back to school as a single mother and earn her Bachelor of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University and complete work on her Master’s of Criminal Justice. While she was dedicated to her positions at the Nacogdoches Police Department, SFA Student Publications, and manager of the A. L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport, her passion was service. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is. . .serving, then serve.” (Romans 12:6-7)
This kindness Mary displayed was much like Martha of the Bible and she opened her home to all. She showed compassion in her many volunteer capacities at CASA, United Way, Family Crisis Center, TimberCreek, Oak Grove, and Northwood churches, and the countless ways she opened her home to feed, house, and comfort all who came to her door. No one was ever hungry in her presence, tears did not go unnoticed, her laughter would ring through the halls, and her prayers would wrap up your soul. Her last years were spent as part of the CBTx team who became like family to her. She learned from her father to be respectful and kind to every person no matter their station in life—all have value, and she opened her heart to everyone.
Mary was greeted to eternity by her Heavenly Father and her earthly one, Lawrence Jr. who preceded her in death. Her remaining family will forever feel the void Mary leaves behind and miss her infectious laughter: mother, Patti Uresti Jackson; son, Mark Krueger; daughter and son-in-law, Annie and Brett Miller; granddaughter, Isabelle; brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence III “Mitch” and Suzinda Uresti, nephew, Christopher Lawrence.
Mary can best be honored by serving others the way her Savior did. If she couldn’t directly return a favor for someone, she would look for opportunities to do something important with her life. Mary found a beautiful balance between the sisters Martha and Mary of the Bible. She served, worked, and showed hospitality with a happy heart. (I Peter 4:9) She also knew the only lasting thing of this life is your relationship with Christ. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) We will we strive to be a Martha and a Mary in our lives as we remember Mary Uresti.
The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at Houston Methodist Hospital and the friends who visited and ministered to Mary during her illness. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 5 to 7 PM at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. The funeral, officiated by Pastor Daniel Chanowski, will also be held at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 2 pm.