The Reverend Mary Ellen Delchamps Magnusson peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on June 16, 2024, while holding hands with her beloved husband Don.

Mary was born in Mobile, Alabama, on March 15, 1943. As a child, she leaned on the faith of her Aunts and Grandmothers, knowing God was guiding her path. Mary led a life that inspired many, especially women who gained confidence from her being a pioneer in her career choices. Mary attended Auburn University, where she was the first female to graduate from the School of Agriculture with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture. While at Auburn, she met and married the love of her life, Donald Wayne Magnusson (Don). Once Don graduated from Auburn, he went into Officer Training with the US Air Force. While he was away, Mary stayed at their residence in Huntsville, Alabama as a teacher at Ardmore High School, Don's alma mater. Mary then joined Don on assignment at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. During this assignment, Mary and Don adopted their infant son, David Christopher. Mary finally gained the title of Mother, for which she had long prayed.

After Don's military career was complete, they moved to League City, TX, where Don was employed at The NASA Johnson Space Center for the next 40 years. This is when Mary opened her own landscape design company. Shortly after moving to League City, Mary gave birth to Elizabeth Grace (Beth).

Mary became more and more involved at their home church, League City United Methodist Church. She felt the calling to go into the Ministry in the Methodist Church and accepted it. Once again, Mary did not know of many female pastors but that did not stop her! After attending seminary at Southern Methodist University and many years of mentorship and service as a pastor, Mary became an ordained Elder.

Throughout her career as a pastor, Mary served as a Chaplin at Methodist Hospital in Houston. She also served various churches in the Texas Conference including League City, Texas City, Kingwood and even Jewett, where she was called out of retirement to serve!

Like the trailblazer she was, Mary was the first female Minister to serve at Kingwood United Methodist Church. She became known for her pastoral care as well as leading different programs such as Stephen Ministry, Bible studies, missions programs, Grief Share all while nurturing and supporting the congregation.

After Mary retired permanently, she and Don moved to Leander, TX to be closer to their daughter Beth, and her family. Being the faithful servant of the Lord that Mary was, she became involved at Leander United Methodist Church. Over her few years there, she continued to inspire and lead others in the Grief Share program that helps find hope after the death of a loved one.

Mary walked so many of God's children through high peaks and low valleys as she officiated countless baptisms, weddings and funerals. She always shared stories of abundant love, faith and hope while speaking words of comfort and peace!

Mary was preceded in death by her son, David Christopher Magnusson; parents, Marilyn Cecile Parker and William Henry Delchamps II; and brother, James Hoyt Delchamps (Jimmy).

Mary is survived by her husband, Donald Wayne Magnusson; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Dan Nabutovsky; her pride and joy superstar of a grandson, Ace Nabutovsky; sister and brother-in-law, Janie and Barry Zetsch; and brother, William Henry Delchamps III(Del). There are many cousins, nieces, and nephews from both the Delchamps and Magnusson families that Mary considered her immediate family.

Visitation: Kingwood Methodist Church; Monday, June 24 from 5-7pm

Funeral service: Kingwood Methodist Church; Tuesday, June 25 at 10am

Graveside service: Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, TX; Tuesday, June 25 at 1:30pm

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite mission project or to the Women in Agriculture program at Auburn University.

Auburn University- Women in Agriculture https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/make-a-gift

Make sure to search for "Women in Agriculture" in the search bar when donating. Please note the gift is in memory of Mary Delchamps Magnusson