Mary Horn, a prominent figure in Texas politics and a former judge in Denton County, has passed away. Her death was announced by a Facebook post by Denton County officials on April 21, 2023. Horn had a long and distinguished career in public service, serving as tax assessor and collector for Denton County for over a decade before being elected as county judge in 2002.
During her 16 years as a judge, Horn oversaw many important initiatives and made a significant impact on the community. Her passing is a great loss to Denton County and the state of Texas as a whole.
Continue reading to know more about Mary Horn’s life, career, and the impact she left on her family and loved ones.
Who was Mary Horn? Learn more about her
Mary Horn was a prominent figure in Denton County politics for several decades. She served as the county’s tax assessor-collector from 1993 until 2002, and then as county judge for the next 16 years. During her time as tax assessor-collector, Horn was a tireless advocate for Denton County, authoring nine pieces of state legislation that improved the lives of Texans and reduced tax expenditures for local governments, schools, and county residents.
She was also nominated as Tax Assessor-Collector of the Year in 1999 by the Tax Assessor-Collector Association and received a lifetime honorary membership in the organization for her contributions to the industry.
Horn’s husband, Jim Horn, was also involved in politics, serving as a representative for Denton County in the Texas House of Representatives for many years.
When they first entered politics in the 1970s, there were few Republican elected officials in the region. However, with Jim’s election in 1980 and Mary’s election as tax assessor-collector a decade later, Denton County started to trend red, helped by newly registered voters from the Carrollton area. Mary’s close relationships with supporters and acquaintances helped her win the position of county judge in 2002, following the resignation of the incumbent Democratic judge.
As county judge, Horn oversaw a number of important initiatives and controversies, including the ongoing debate over the Confederate statue in Denton County. Under her leadership, the commissioner’s court created a formal committee to address the memorial, and officials were ordered to search for old county records about the monument.
Despite protests and demonstrations by numerous individuals who wanted the statue removed or augmented with historical context, the county did not physically alter the monument during Horn’s tenure.
How did Mary Horn die? What was her cause of death?
Mary Horn passed away peacefully at her home according to reports. The cause of her death has not been disclosed publicly. In a statement on Facebook, Denton County shared the news of Horn’s passing and expressed its deep sadness at the loss of a beloved and respected figure in the community.
Horn was known and loved throughout Texas, but her most important role was that of wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to Jim Horn for 56 years and was a loving mother to Jennifer Horn Stevens and Donny Stevens, and to Jim and Jennifer Davis Horn.
She was also a beloved MiMi to her grandchildren Michael, Elle, Knox, Francie, Houston, Olive, Morgan, and Ashton. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Tributes on social media for Mary Horn:
Nick Augustine expressed his sorrow on Facebook for the death of Mary Horn, referring to her as one of Denton County’s notable figures. He recounted how he first met her as a mentor, praising her tough and resolute spirit.
She served as Denton County judge for 25 years before retiring in 2018, and he remembers her retirement party fondly. Augustine is grateful that she was able to enjoy her retirement. The last post he saw on her page was about her family and her love for the simple pleasures of life, including baseball games. Augustine wished her a peaceful rest in heaven.
Tan Parker expressed his condolences for Mary Horn’s passing in a Facebook post, stating that she is now in the arms of the Lord and wishing God’s blessings upon her. He also conveyed that she will be forever loved and missed.
Hearing of the passing of former @DentonCountyTX Judge Mary Horn, peacefully this morning in her home. A heart for service, and a heart devoted to Jim, her husband of 56 years. Well done, good and faithful servant. pic.twitter.com/zM8mjmTyPE
— Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) April 22, 2023
We extend our condolences to Mary Horn’s family, friends, and community during this challenging time. Hope yo u have got the required information through the article please share your condolences and prayers in the comments box below.
FAQs
Who is Mary Horn?
Mary Horn was a prominent figure in Denton County politics, serving as tax assessor-collector and county judge for 16 years, and being involved in important initiatives and controversies during her tenure.
How did Mary Horn die?
According to reports, Mary Horn passed away peacefully at her home and the cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.