MARY BLACKSHEAR GARRETT was born to Carolyn Carroll "Carrie" Blackshear and Robert King Blackshear in Corsicana, Texas March 19, 1916, and died peacefully at home in Danbury, Texas surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 31, 2004. A beautiful, gentle lady who loved her husband and children almost as much as she loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, Mary, was a real child of God, in heart, spirit and through her life's work. She shared the true meaning of "unconditional love" with all of her friends and acquaintances as well as her family. She walked through her 87 years quietly and with such grace, sharing her gifts by giving of her time, resources and listening ear, with love and acts of kindness. She will be remembered most for her gentle spirit, warm heart and inner beauty that radiated with her every smile and kind word. Mary shared that love with everyone with whom she came in contact. Her passion in life was to help anyone in need and to make a difference. Mary worked for years as a tireles volunteer helping to build the Republican Party in Texas. She played an active role in the presidential campaigns of Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Barry Goldwater and George H.W. Bush. She also worked in the Jack Cox, Jim Granberry, and Bill Clements races for governor, and the John Tower, George Bush, Rob Mosbacher, and Phil Gram campaigns for the Senate. She served as a Precinct Chairman, delegate to the County Convention, alternate to the National Convention, and member of the State Republican Executive Committee, and as an officer in the Texas Federation of Republican Women. Her caring spirit motivated Mary to start a Clothing Center for the Needy in the old Brazoria County Courthouse in 1958. She also served as a Charter member, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Brazoria County Child Welfare Unit, and as Vice-Chairman and Advisory Board member of Family Service Center. Other Board jobs included the Brazoria County Welfare Planning Council, the Brazoria County Chapter of the American Rd Cross where she also served as Chairman and Vice-chairman of Volunteers. She was a member of the Brazoria County Historical Museum and enjoyed being a volunteer for the Angleton - Danbury General Hospital. Mary also was an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and served as a member of the Parish and Deanery Councils. The family extends a very special thanks to Elzina Jackson for her loving care this past year, and to the many doctors and nurses who provided their wonderful help and support, especially Dr. Charles Neblett and the nurses of the Brazoria County Hospice. Mary Garrett was preceded in death by her parents as well as her first husband Jefferson Davis Farish, Brother, Robert K. Blackshear, Sister Liza Blackshear Rogers and Grandchildren Anthony and Jack Lollar and Graeme Baker. She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, John T. "Jack" Garrett, Sister, Elizabeth Blackshear Mantor, Children: Susan and Jim Baker, Klinka and John Lollar, Jacko and Nancy Garrett and Bob arrett. Grandchildren: Elizabeth Winston and Sam Jones, Bo and Stacey Winston, Will and Suzanne Winston, Mary Bonner Baker; James A. Baker, IV, Stuart and Genevieve Baker, John and Tegan Baker, Doug and Marilyn Baker, Carolyn Lollar and Teodoro Alban, Kristen Lollar and Matt McClain, Sydney Lynn and Matthew Richeda; Traci Garrett and Tommy Harvey, Mary Christine Garrett; Deanne Garrett and Scott Armstrong, Will and Jennifer Garrett. She is also survived by twenty-two great grandchildren. Her pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Visitation will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Danbury, Texas from 4pm to 6pm Monday, February 2, 2004; Rosary at 6:00pm with a reception following in the Parish Hall. A celebration of Mary's life will be held in St. Anthony's Catholic Church at 10 am. Tuesday, February 3, 2004. Burial services will be private. Donations may be made to the Brazoria County Hospice Care Team, Inc., 107 West Way, Suite 29, Lake Jackson, TX 77566, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, P O. Box 299, Danbury, TX 77534, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Palms Funeral Home, Angleton, TX, 979-849-4343 Published in the Houston Chronicle on 2/1/2004.