Jane Lawrence Shook

Jane Esther Lawrence was born August 4, 1928, in Wichita, Kansas, the only child of Bernedette Delahoy and Russell Everett Lawrence. She graduated as Valedictorian of the League City, Texas, High School, class of 1945. Jane then attended Sam Houston State Teachers College (now Sam Houston State University) where she was active in the Wesley Foundation (Methodist ministry to college students) and where she met the love of her life, Wallace. Together Jane and Wallace went to Southern Methodist University, she to the College of Arts and Sciences, he to the Perkins School of Theology. In 1948, when Wallace became pastor of their first parish, the Laneville Circuit, she completed her bachelor’s work at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.

Jane’s strong faith was evident and steadfast throughout her life, and a wonderful example and inspiration to all who knew her. In the summer of 1947, she became, with three other college students and an adult counselor, a Methodist Youth Caravaner, visiting six Methodist churches in the panhandle of Texas, each with an intensive week of youth worship and mission activities. Jane was a consummate pastor’s wife, enjoying each congregation they were privileged to serve, entertaining large groups of parishioners while sharing in Bible studies and women’s mission endeavors. In her last decades, faithful Bible reading, devotionals, prayer and Christian radio were a source of peace and comfort. She was the family prayer warrior.

Being a mother of five children, Jane cherished each one of them. From new dresses for each daughter at Easter, a dance or special event, to endless meals that included children’s friends, Jane did it all. She even enjoyed many years of carpool, interacting with her children’s school friends. The advent of Wallace Russell (“Rusty”) into the home was a source of great delight. Jane’s true faith and devotion was expressed in the two and a half years she cared for Rusty in his battle with spinal cord Neuroblastoma and its complications.

Her joy in life was unmatched once grandchildren began to arrive. The demands of running a household came to a standstill when a grandchild entered the home. Each grandchild can remember countless stories read, fun, creative games played and so much more. Jane had a gift of making each one knows they were special and loved unconditionally.

Jane is survived by; husband of seventy-three years, The Reverend Dr. Wallace T. Shook; daughter and son-in-law, Debra Ann and Warren Briggs of Weimar; daughter, Martha Jane Waidhofer and the late Dr. William Waidhofer of Willis; daughter and son-in-law, Rachel Elaine and Johnny Shepherd of Katy; daughter and son-in-law, Lydia Lynn and Steven McMahan of Richardson; grandchildren, Amanda and Alex Pettitt, Austin and Ruth Reyna, Marissa Reyna, Larry Waidhofer, Deniece and Dr. Mike Evans, Will Waidhofer, Amy McMahan, Kelly McMahan, Katherine McMahan. And by a host of “bonus” grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death is son, Wallace Russell “Rusty” Shook and son-in-law, Dr. William Waidhofer. .

A memorial service for Mrs. Shook will be at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. An additional memorial service for Mrs. Shook will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 20, 2021, at First Methodist Church, 4308 West Davis, FM 105, Conroe. A family committal was held at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, Jane has suggested a gift to the United Methodist Women of the First United Methodist Church, 4308 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77304, the Bay Vue United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1997, Crystal Beach, TX 77650, or a charity of your choice.

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