Bonham, Texas -- Mary Nell Porter Barrett was born May 4, 1952 in Sherman, Texas, to Jack and Goldie Porter. Mary passed away on November 3, 2024, in Bonham, TX, with her best friend David by her side, as always.

Mary was a teacher first and foremost. She was full of life and love and raved about her love for teaching English and her dedication to her students and the profession. She was a teacher for 30 years for Denison ISD. 

Mary was bright, bubbly, and spoke dramatically. She had a flair for fashion and was always dressed up, wearing jewelry, perfume, and a big smile.

Mary grew up in Denison with two siblings, her big brother Jack, who was married to wife Raenelle, and big sister Julia Ann, who she affectionately called Sister. She attended Denison schools for most of her life, but graduated from Highland Park, in Dallas. She received a bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University and a master’s degree from TWU.

Mary was teaching Speech/Debate and Drama by age 20 in Ft. Worth, but spent most of her career teaching English in Denison ISD.  She married the love of her life, David Barrett, from Denison, Texas, on December 20, 1981.  They attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Denison.

Online condolences can be conveyed at www.coopersorrells.com