June 25, 1941 October 11, 2025
Mary Russell Haley, aged 84, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025. Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1941, Mary lived a life defined by compassion, intellect, and quiet strength.
She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Christian University, where she cultivated a deep love for education and literacy. As a Professional Reading Specialist, Mary taught both high school and college students, inspiring generations with her belief in the transformative power of learning. Her students often described her classes as a mix of strong instruction liberally sprinkled with a dose of humor—a reflection of her ability to make learning both rigorous and joyful.
Beyond the classroom, Mary served as Executive Vice President of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, where she championed local businesses and community development with vision and grace.
Her commitment to service extended across many organizations, including the Women’s Symphony League, TCU Alumni Associations, the Senate Ladies Club, the Legislative Ladies Club, the National Council of Teachers of English, the Texas Community College Teachers Association, and the Addison & Randolph Clark Society for TCU. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mary was honored with the TCU Alumni Service Award in 2017.
Faith was a guiding force in Mary’s life. She was an active member of University Christian Church in Austin, where she served in various roles and found deep joy and fellowship as part of the Seekers church school class.
Of all her accomplishments, Mary’s most treasured roles were those of wife, mother, and grandmother— affectionately known as “Gigi.” She is survived by her son Jeffrey Russell Haley and his wife, Michele Elaine (Genova), and grandsons William Russell Haley and Jonathan Michael Haley of Austin; and by her son, Robert Colin Haley, and his wife, Lisa Marie (Norwood), and grandchildren Andrew Christopher Haley, Ava Brooke Haley, and Alexis Giuliana Haley of Bertram, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Shogren of Harrisburg, Illinois, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her devoted husband Bill, her parents, and her brother.
Visitation was held Wednesday, October 22, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, located at 411 Ranch Rd 620 South in Lakeway. Services took place Thursday, October 23, at 10:00 a.m. at University Christian Church, 2007 University Avenue, Austin, Texas. Burial followed at the Texas State Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Haley Family Fund for Medicine and the Arts at TCU, the Mary Scriven and James W. Haley Endowed Theatre Scholarship at TCU, or the University Christian Church Organ Fund.