February 1, 1952 • April 21, 2025

Mary Agnes Hendricks came into this world on February 1, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, born to Mary Agnes Brown and Robert Kellin. From the jump, it was clear that Mary was going to do things her way – with heart, humor, and a whole lot of attitude.

She grew up in St. Louis and attended Cole School, Sumner High School, and Soldan High School. In June of 1972, Mary proudly earned her GED from Kingdom House – a milestone she achieved to ensure her family wouldn’t forget how brilliant she was. Later in life, Mary went back to hit the books again – because why not? – earning not one, but two associate degrees and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from St. Louis Community College and UMSL. Let the record show: she was educated and she knew it.

Mary had a heart as big as her mouth – and trust us, both were impressive. If she had $10, she’d give you $5 without blinking. But don’t get too comfortable – she’d also tell you exactly what she thought of you, with no chaser. If you were in her good graces, you felt the love. If not… well, you’d hear about that too. One thing about Mary: she never faked the funk.

She met John David Hendricks Jr., feel in love, and wasted no time locking it down. The two got married on August 9, 1969, and from that day on, they were a team – thick and thin, love and side-eye.

Mary spent years being a housewife before joining the workforce. She worked as an elevator operator for Mayor Cervantes, Mary spent her days pushing buttons – and not just the mechanical kind. She then worked in a kitchen for a while but later switched gears and became a bus driver for Laidlaw. Let’s just say she was probably the only driver who could keep a bus full of kids in line just by giving them the look and a little bit of candy.

Mary is now catching up with those who went before her: her mother, Mary Agnes Brown; father, Robert Kellin; husband, John David Hendricks Jr.; her brother Kenneth •Kellin; and her sisters- and brothers-in-law Verna Mae Batton, Theresa (Carlos) Phillips, Patricia Hendricks, Calvin Hendricks, and Kendall Hendricks. Heaven just got a little louder – and a lot more entertaining.

Left here to carry her spirit (and maybe some of her sass) are her daughter Diana Hendricks; son Ishmael Hendricks ; her grandchildren Courtney Lorene Hendricks, Melanie Patrice Cooks, Martia Louise Brandon and Marcel Abrams, her sister Carrie (Richard) Fitts; sister-in-law Deborah (Ricky) Clark; and a long list of family and friends who are already missing her fierce love, sharp tongue, and generous soul.

Mary was one of a kind – the type of woman you don’t forget. And honestly, she wouldn’t let you forget her even if you tried.