Mary Jane Pannell of Denton passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15. She was born on December 13, 1933, in Fort Worth to R.C. and Lena Crawford Gregory.

Mary Jane graduated from Trimble Technical High School in Fort Worth in 1952. She married Melvin Lowe Pannell on September 6, 1952, in Fort Worth, and together they shared 66 happy years of marriage. Mary Jane dedicated 26 years of service to the City of Denton before retiring. After retirement, she and her beloved husband enjoyed traveling from the beach to the mountains, making lifelong friends along the way. In the words of Mary Jane, “We had a wonderful life. We made it.”

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Melvin; her son, Joe Bob Pannell; her grandson, Luke Holder; and her great-grandson, Noah Bates.

Mary Jane is survived by her daughter, Lorri McNutt; grandchildren Katy Bates (Glen), Wyman Holder (Brandy), and Missy Hays (Eric); her daughter-in-law, Kay Pannell; grandchildren Jarrett Pannell (Jenny), Justin Pannell (Brooks), and Jaclyn Main (Collin); and multiple great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in the east room of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors.