Mary Nell Redding

The family of Mary Nell Redding is deeply saddened to share the news of her passing on June 25th, 2026. Mary returned home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the presence of her beloved husband and daughters at the age of 74. She was born on July 24th, 1951 in Waco, Texas to Harlan and Nelrose Johnson and grew up in Chilton with her three siblings. She married the love of her life and best friend, Leland Redding, on November 30th, 1967. Together, Mary and Leland have two devoted daughters and shared 58 beautiful, blessed years of partnership.

Mary will be remembered by her adventurous, fun-loving spirit. Some of Mary’s greatest joys were reading a good book, spending time at the beach or in Branson with family, cruising with her sister, an occasional trip to Winstar, drinking a Sonic Diet Coke, sharing a meal with loved ones, watching a mystery show, and shopping for a good deal. But most especially, her greatest passion was dedicating her life to her children, grandchildren, and family. She was unparalleled in her devotion to her family. While Mary had many roles over the years, her most remarkable ones were as a wife, Momma, Nana, and Mimi. She fiercely loved and supported her husband for over three quarters of her life, worked hard to provide the finest opportunities for her daughters, and joyfully gave years of her time to the enrichment and care of her grandchildren. Mary was not just a part of our lives, she was our life. The backbone, soul, spirit, and matriarch of the family.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Harlan and Nelrose Johnson; her brother, Harlan Lewis Johnson II; her brother in law, Milton Kurtz; her brother in law, Robert Redding; her sister in law, Barbara Redding; and her nephew, Harlan Lewis (Trey) Johnson III.

She is survived and cherished by her husband, Leland; her daughter Shelly and husband Greg Chudej; daughter Nikki Laine; her four grandchildren: Ty Chudej, Gage Laine, Hannah Chudej, and Hagen Laine; her furbaby, Koda; her sister, Martha Kurtz; her brother, Charles Johnson and wife Olivia Johnson; and her many nieces and nephews. She is remembered as a special Mimi to Leia Lynn and Adria Johnson.

Charles Johnson, Greg Chudej, Kevin Kurtz, Ty Chudej, Gage Laine, and Hagen Laine will serve as Pallbearers.

A visitation will be held at Pecan Grove Funeral Home on Wednesday July 1st, 2026 from 5-7pm, and a funeral service will be held at Pecan Grove on Thursday July 2nd, 2026 at 10am. Her loved ones invite all family and friends to join in celebrating her precious life and sharing in her loving memory by wearing red, her favorite color, at her services. Until we can meet again- Sugar, Momma, Nana, Mimi- we love you.