When Mary Warren decided to become a teacher, it was because she knew firsthand the difference a dedicated teacher could make in a child’s life.

“Mrs. Snell, my fourth grade teacher, served as a source of motivation for me to pursue a career in teaching,” Mary reflected. Mrs. Snell was not only Mary’s teacher at school but also the wife of her pastor and her Sunday school teacher. “Throughout our time together, she shared stories from the Bible, led us in prayer, and encouraged us to sing hymns every day. She also stressed the significance of treating others with kindness and respect.”

After graduating from Texas High School in 1974, Mary went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from East Texas State University (now TAMU–T) before beginning a long career with Texarkana Arkansas School District. She worked at the elementary and middle school levels, often clocking many hours outside her contracted 40 per week to meet the needs of her students.

“As a committed teacher, I faced a significant challenge in helping my students meet the necessary academic standards for their exams,” she said. “I went above and beyond my usual teaching duties to address this issue by offering personalized after-school tutoring. Despite the extra time and effort required, my dedication to supporting their academic growth inspired me to take on this additional responsibility. These tailored sessions provided the focused attention needed for a deeper understanding of the material.”

“I have a deep passion for guiding and inspiring young minds, and witnessing their growth and success brings me immense joy.”

— Mary Warren

Though Mary was only doing what she saw to be necessary for her students, the people around her took note of her exceptional commitment. In 1990, she was given the Parent Teacher Lifetime Membership Award. And, in 2000, she was a Teacher of the Year nominee at College Hill Middle School. Throughout her 39-year career, she received numerous other service awards for her dedication to her students.

“I have a deep passion for guiding and inspiring young minds,” Mary reflected, “and witnessing their growth and success brings me immense joy. Seeing students reach their full potential and become the best versions of themselves is incredibly satisfying to me.”

Though Mary has retired from teaching, she is still actively helping young people grow and thrive. She is a member of Las Amigas Social and Civic Club, a longstanding local organization that strives to improve the community through various means—including an annual debutante program. Mary, who has held various leadership roles in the organization over the years, always sponsors a debutante.

She is still actively involved with educational groups as well. She is a longtime member of the Beta Rho Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, an organization for women in education. Mary currently serves as chairperson of the scholarship committee. She also sits on the retirement planning committee of the Miller County Retired Teachers Association.

Mary is married to David Warren, a Marine Corp veteran. Their daughter, Angela, is a graduate student at the University of Phoenix.
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Mary, who is also the financial secretary of the Top Ladies of Distinction’s Twin City Chapter, finds participation in these organizations to be deeply gratifying. “Through group involvement,” she said, “I aim to establish meaningful connections, foster personal growth, and positively impact society.”

An active member of Oak Street Baptist Church, Mary is the current president of the usher ministry, co-chair of the deaconess ministry, chairperson of the pastor’s anniversary committee, and a teacher at Vacation Bible School. In her free time, she volunteers with the church’s outreach program, packaging food boxes for hungry people throughout the community.

FSLM ASKED MARY…

What’s something most people don’t know about you? I love NFL football—from watching games and discussing predictions with fellow fans to admiring the skill and athleticism of players.

Name a woman you admire. My mother, Mary V. Lee, profoundly impacted my life with her unparalleled resilience and empathy. She had a unique ability to bring happiness to any situation, even in the face of adversity.

If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time” (Maya Angelou).

Each woman featured in this issue was chosen by an honoree from last year’s Tribute to Women to be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the Texarkana community.

Sandra Dodd’s Words:

It is a privileged honor to recommend Mrs. Mary Lee Warren as a 2024 honoree. Mary’s daily impetus is an ongoing demonstration of the joy she embodies and the ways she affects others. Her gentle spirit, smile, laughter, and sense of humor are not to be overshadowed by the seriousness and genuine passion she incorporates in her spiritual life and community involvement. The fruit of her labor shines on the faces of those you interact with who have been touched by that labor in some way. That touch may have been today, yesterday, or days that add up to years ago. That’s just how infectious her personality is. Mary is a doer, approaching and accomplishing tasks without having to be asked or reminded. She leads by example. Fondly, I add that, (still) in teacher mode and always a mom, she is usually accompanied by her lovely daughter, Angela (whom I refer to as her “sidekick”). Mary possesses a creative ability to make a difference, make a change, make something work, influence or impact an idea—always in a spirit of giving unselfishly so that others are impacted in a positive way. Mary: sincere congratulations, and thanks for the privilege of knowing such a person and witnessing the impacts you make on people’s lives.

Feature Stories

Tribute to Women: Mary Warren