Mary Ellen (Beckham) Pauls

Mary Ellen Beckham Pauls of Fort Worth, Texas left this world peacefully in her sleep on April 17, 2023, at her home near Whitney, Texas. Mary was born on December 18, 1957.

Mary attended Richland and Granbury High Schools. For many years, Mary was a dedicated employee at American Airlines, and during her time there, traveled extensively across the United States to visit her biological and her chosen family. In her younger days, Mary was the life of the party and never met a stranger. She could strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone who happened to be sitting next to her, and in many cases, remain friends for many years to come.

Mary was preceded in death by her father Lewis “Wayne” Beckham, her sister Sherry Machal, her best friend and partner in crime Steven Pauls, her grandparents, numerous family members, and friends. She is survived by her mother Carlene Vines, her son Corey Dodd and his wife Lisa, her grandchildren, Lauren, Kayla, and Austen Dodd, her great-grandchildren Jayden, Payge, and Skyler, her bonus children Ben, Zach, and Mary Smith, her bonus grandchildren Kylee, Karlee, Abel, and Maisley, her brothers Richard and Wayne Beckham, her sisters Darla Beckham, and Deborah Booth, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, adopted family members, and beloved friends.

A celebration of life will be held soon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Mary’s honor. Mary supported many causes, but most recently she was raising funds for Special Books by Special Kids.