Jane Lawrence Shook
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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.
In the summer of 1947, Jane 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 delighted in being a "stay-at-home" mom who provided a lovely new dress for each daughter at Easter and pajamas and warm coats at Christmas. She even enjoyed car pool, interacting with her children's school friends. 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.
The advent of Wallace Russell ("Rusty") into the home was a source of great delight and 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 cancer and its complications.
A son, Wallace Russell "Rusty" Shook, preceded Jane in death. A son-in-law, Dr. William Waidhofer, also preceded Jane in death. Survivors include: Husband of 73 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.
In lieu of flowers, Jane has suggested a gift to the United Methodist Women of the First United Methodist Church, 4308 West Davis Street, Conroe, Texas 77304, the Bay Vue United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1997, Crystal Beach, Texas 77650, or a organization of your choice.
A memorial service for Mrs. Shook will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 19, 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.