Mary Lucille Alldredge Cantrell peacefully departed this life on November 15, 2005, in Brownwood, Texas, at the age of eighty-five. She was born at home on March 04,1940 in Mills County, Texas to Joseph Benton Alldredge, and Ella Benita Karnes Alldredge. She married Bobby Steve Cantrell, Sr at Salt Creek Baptist Church in April 24, 1979.
Mary graduated from Early High School in 1958. She received her degree in Cosmetology from Gary’s Beauty College on July 24, 1971. For many years, she was a valued member of the beauty team at Headquarters Salon in Brownwood. She retired from Kuts & Such Beauty Shop in Early, Texas in 2005.
Mary found sustaining purpose and meaning in her cosmetology career and always considered it her life’s work. Often, families do not realize that sometimes a hairstylist will come to the funeral home as a final act of love. She did this often, treating it as her last gift to both the deceased and their family.
Mary was a woman of numerous talents. Her hobbies included wood painting, gardening, drawing, painting, needlepoint, beading, crocheting, sewing, cooking, canning, and baking.
Mary was baptized at Salt Creek Baptist Church in 1978 where she was a current member. She was also a previous member of the Pecan Valley Genealogical Society.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Frankie (Carlton Kim) Mann, and her stepchildren, Ginger (Butch) Lawson, Connie Cantwell, and Bobby Steve Cantrell, Jr. and her six grandchildren, Neal (Brittany) Mann, David (Jennifer) Mann, Amanda Lawson, Ashley Lawson, Justin (Natali) Lawson and BJ (Alicia) Cox. In addition, she leaves behind twelve great grandchildren, her stepsister, Maxine Shellabarger, her sister-in-law Barbara Alldredge, her “partner in crime” and cherished cousin, Nita (Mac) Frazier, along with a host of other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Mary was predeceased by her dear husband of almost forty-two years, Bobby Steve Cantrell, Sr., one great granddaughter, her parents, her brother, Billy Robert Alldredge, her sister, Barbara Alice Alldredge, and her sister, Shirley Benita Alldredge (Reyes) Carillo. She was also predeceased by her best friends, Carol Spurlock and Wilda (Truett) Loudamy. She is now reunited with her much-loved Chihuahua, Precious, who brought constant joy and companionship to her in her last years as well as many other pets who passed before.
As we mourn our loss, we celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the countless ways she made the world a better place. Mary shared a final gift of kindness by donating her pacemaker to “My Heart Your Heart Program” through the University of Michigan. Her pacemaker will be refurbished and sent to an impoverished country to help save another life.
Thank you for your presence, prayers and kind words during this time of sorrow. Your comfort has been a great comfort to us. Mary’s family would like to express our gratitude to the incredible network of support given to our mom during the past five years. A heartfelt thank you to: Elara Caring Home Health; Hill Country Home Care, Meals on Wheels; dedicated staff, nurses, and physicians of Brownwood Regional Medical Center’s ER, 2nd Floor, and 4th Floor; Doctors Daniel Allstadt, Michael Blanc, Kyle Kirkland, Joe Speck and their respective employees; Pecan Bayou Nursing and Rehabilitation; Gentiva Hospice; neighbors Jerry Alexander and Jim Cooper; countless friends, her Salt Creek Baptist Church family and Blaylock Funeral Home. And last but certainly not least, our deepest appreciation to Dr. Ray Mark Martin, Jennifer, Cheri and “the girls” for always being there for our mom.
Donations in memory of Mary Cantrell can be made to the Salt Creek Baptist Church or charity of your choice.
A memorial service for Mary Alldredge Cantrell will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Salt Creek Baptist Church, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Dalton Mathis will officiate. Flowers, cards, or donations in honor of her memory are all welcome. Donations in memory of Mary can be made to Salt Creek Baptist Church, P.O., Box 3349, Early, Texas 76803 or to a charity of your choice. Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood will oversee arrangements.