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Mary Louise Shanks, affectionately known as "Ms. Mary '' was born December 15, 1938 in Texarkana, Arkansas to Nancy Russ and Thomas Allen.

Mary received her education in Camden, Arkansas at Lincoln High School where she was a band majorette during her junior and senior years. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957. A few years after graduation she moved to Cleveland, Ohio and then obtained a job at the PolyClinic Hospital on Carnegie. She then met her best friend Lucille who was a beautician and she later gained an affection for doing hair through inspiration from Lucille. She obtained her Cosmetology Certificate/License from Beatrice's School of Cosmetology. Upon Lucille's passing Mary inherited Lucille's beauty shop, Lu-Jon Salon, in the late sixties where she had been employed while in beauty school. During this time she met her love, Tilford D. Shanks and the two became married in 1965 and to their union had one daughter, Teri D. Shanks.

Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age, and became a member at Full Gospel Evangelistic Center, and then later became a member at New Spirit Revival Center, where she served as a greeter. Mary was an avid lover of sports, and music, she loved animals and most of all she loved people and servicing people in her career as a Beautician. Mary was the proud owner of Lu-Jon's Beauty Salon on E. 105 for over 50 years. She was very well known and respected in her community over the decades. Everybody knew "Ms. Mary"; she truly had a heart of gold and was always willing to help those in need. She opened her beauty shop doors to everyone, whether they came to receive a service or not. Her energy, love and spirit will truly be missed.

On December 6, 2022, Mary, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, gained her wings and was joined in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Russ, father, Thomas Allen, and siblings, Louise Torrence, David Torrence and Shirley Wright.

Mary leaves behind to mourn her loving daughter Teri Loggins, two grandchildren Lloyd G. Henderson and Morgan S. Loggins, one great granddaughter Royaltie Rose Henderson; three sisters Milrene Salter, Betty Edwards, Jeanetta Freeman, and two special nieces, Cathy Williams and Yulanda Alexander, and also a special friend Edward Malone. Mary also leaves to mourn a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends and last but certainly not least her Lu-Jon Salon beautician buddies/coworkers currently and over the years.

While Mary transitioned from this life, her imprint of who she was will never leave or be forgotten. Until we meet again in Heaven you will be forever missed.