02/02/2026
Mary Alice Wagenschein
Mary Alice Parsons Wagenschein, 88, of Waco, Texas, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by loved ones.
Mary Alice was born on January 1, 1938, in Marlin, Texas, to Marian Alice Springfield Parsons and Chris C. Parsons. She was raised in a close-knit family, the youngest of three children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Paul E. Wagenschein; her sister, Christine (Parsons) Reichle Moore; and her brother, Thomas Wayne Parsons.
A woman of deep faith, Mary Alice was a devoted member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, joining in 1963. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived daily—through kindness, generosity, music, and loving service to others. She sang in the church choir from her teenage years through the Sanctuary and Senior Adult Choirs and even sang with the Baylor Senior Choir. For more than 20 years, she faithfully taught four- and five-year-old children in Sunday School, visited the homebound in nursing homes and retirement centers, volunteered with Neighbors International, and ministered compassionately to anyone in need of a helping hand.
Mary Alice’s love for people was evident from an early age and remained a defining part of her life. While attending high school in Marlin, she was actively involved in many activities and was known for her sweet spirit, warm personality, and musical talent. She frequently sang at weddings and special occasions, was named Miss Marlin, participated in FFA, served as a cheerleader, sang in the stag band, and was selected as a homecoming representative. The friendships she formed in her youth endured throughout her lifetime.
She was naturally social and sincerely enjoyed being with others. Mary Alice loved game nights with neighbors and friends, social get-togethers, and was a member of several ladies’ luncheon groups. People were drawn to her genuine kindness and generous spirit, and she brought joy and connection wherever she went.
Mary Alice began working at KMLW Radio Station, where she met the love of her life, Paul. They were married in March of 1957 and started their life together in Raymondville, Texas, where Paul worked in radio broadcasting. During those years, Mary Alice attended Alfred’s School of Cosmetology in Harlingen, beginning what would become a nearly 40-year career as a hairstylist.
The couple later moved to Waco in 1962, where Paul worked for 34 years at Baylor University as an engineer in radio and television. Mary Alice co-owned Ma-Ris Creations, a beauty salon on Lake Air Drive, for 19 years and later worked at Beautiful Reflections, retiring in February 2000. She loved her profession because it allowed her to serve others—many of her clients became lifelong friends and were cherished as extended family.
Above all else, Mary Alice was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to Kevin Paul Wagenschein, wife Deena, and Kim Wagenschein Gordon. She was a proud grandmother to Brittany Holmes and spouse Joshua Dunaway, Sr., Bethany Paige Harrison, Cooper Wagenschein and spouse Leslie, and Dalton Wagenschein and spouse Erika. She was deeply cherished by her great-grandchildren: Kyleigh Alise, Braedyn, Ryland, Tyra, Landyn, Bentley, Evan, Lydia, Ava, Joshua, Jr., and Jonah.
Mary Alice is also survived by very special nieces, Lana Sue Fridge and Kathy Parsons Sartor.
Mary Alice also leaves behind extended family members and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her compassion, music, handmade crafts, cooking, and unwavering generosity. Many were recipients of her thoughtful meals, handcrafted gifts, prayers, and encouraging words.
Mary Alice’s greatest wish was to be remembered not for accolades, but for how she loved, how she served, and how she reflected her faith through action. Her life was a living testimony to faithful devotion, heartfelt service, and unconditional love—and that legacy will continue through all those that she was blessed to know.
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