Mary Lou Shuffler

Mary Lou Mason Shuffler, 87, died peacefully in her sleep on January 9, 2026, at home, in her own bed, just as she wished. 

Born in Eagle Pass, Texas on October 9, 1938, Mary Lou was a woman of quiet grace, keen intellect, and abiding kindness. From an early age, her gifts were evident. She graduated from Eagle Pass High School in 1955 as class valedictorian, serving as class president, drum majorette, captain of the basketball and tennis teams, and was honored as Miss Eagle Pass High School and “Most Likely to Succeed.” 

At sixteen, she enrolled at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and graduated with the highest academic honors. It was there that she met Ralph Henderson Shuffler, who was on hiatus from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. After meeting Mary Lou, Ralph never returned to Sewanee. The couple became engaged a year before their wedding and celebrated with a magnum of Dom Pérignon across the border in Mexico—though, given the small-town nature of life in Eagle Pass, her mother knew about it before they even returned home. They were married when Mary Lou was just twenty-one years old, in a wedding held in Eagle Pass, with a reception celebrated across the border at the legendary Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. 

Mary Lou and Ralph shared a calling to ministry in the Episcopal Church and lived in Austin, Tomball, Beaumont, Galveston, and San Antonio. In every place they lived, Mary Lou created a home defined by warmth, hospitality, and care for others. She also dedicated herself to education, teaching Special Education and developing, leading, and implementing the gifted student program at Judson Independent School District in San Antonio, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and families. 

After her husband’s passing, Mary Lou returned to Galveston, where she enjoyed many happy times with old and dear friends. She devoted much of her free time to service and leadership, including serving on the Vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church, the Board of Trustees of Trinity Episcopal School, and the Galveston Library Board. She also thoroughly enjoyed her involvement with her investment club, the Pirates, cherishing the fellowship it brought. 

Though her accomplishments were many, Mary Lou would have said her greatest achievement was the loving and supportive home she provided for her children and grandchildren. She was kind to everyone she met and had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed and valued. She expressed her love most beautifully through her cooking—especially during holidays, when her carefully set tables and treasured family recipes gathered generations together. These meals were acts of devotion and remain part of her enduring legacy. 

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Samuel Henderson Shuffler, MD, and his wife Jennifer Grand Shuffler; and Sarah Shuffler Piel and her husband Michael Piel; and her grandchildren, Mason, Henderson, Maggie, Townsend, Charlie, Mary Katherine, and Clay. She is also survived by her brother, Arthur Edwin Mason, and his wife Wilma, of Eagle Pass, Texas. 

Holy Communion in Mary Lou’s honor will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, with Reverend Jimmy Abbott officiating.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her steadfast faith, and the enduring love she gave so generously to her family and to all whose lives she touched. 

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” — Philippians 4:8 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARTS Downtown GTX in honor of Mary Lou Shuffler. Donations can be made at: www.artsdowntowngtx.com  or mailed to ARTS Downtown GTX 2020 Postoffice Street Galveston, Texas 77550, or donations may also be made to The Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.

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