A 2005 graduate of San Antonio College’s mortuary science program, Dennis entered higher education as a non-traditional student – balancing work, family and school.

Mary Dennis Centennial Story

Mary M. Dennis graduated from San Antonio College’s mortuary science program in 2005.

SAC : News : 2026 : April : Mary Dennis Centenial | Alamo Colleges

Through all these roles, Mayor Mary M. Dennis has built an extraordinary legacy of public service marked by collaboration, advocacy, and tireless dedication to the residents of Live Oak and the broader region. A graduate of Sam Houston High School, she attended Our Lady of the Lake University and is a licensed mortician.

Mayor and City Council - City of Live Oak

Mayor and City Council - Live Oak

Before becoming Mayor, Mary served for several years on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Live Oak, where she helped shape the city’s growth and infrastructure. Twice she ran for a council seat, demonstrating her determination and commitment to civic engagement and local governance. In 2010, she made history as the first African American Mayor of Live Oak, a position she has held with distinction since then, earning re-election in 2022.

Mary has served as mayor of Live Oak since 2010 and was reelected in 2022. She previously ran twice for a council seat.

2026 Texas General Election

What would your top priorities be if you are reelected?
My priorities are keeping Live Oak strong through safe neighborhoods, better infrastructure and efficient services. I support local businesses and use tax dollars wisely. With 24 new businesses recently welcomed—12 being small—my commitment to a thriving economy and our community remains clear.

Q&A: Learn more about the candidates running for Live Oak mayor | San Antonio | Community Impact

What do you think is the biggest challenge Live Oak faces in the next five years? How do you plan to address them?
Live Oak must address water stability and state-mandated property tax reductions. I am committed to protecting our water supply and stabilizing city revenue while minimizing financial pressure on you. Together, we will ensure a high quality of life for every family and business—putting Live Oak first.

Supports local businesses and using tax dollars wisely.

Is committed to stabilizing city revenue while minimizing residents' financial pressure.

- Supports local businesses and using tax dollars wisely.
- Is committed to stabilizing city revenue while minimizing residents' financial pressure.

Economy

What resources do you think Live Oak is lacking?
Live Oak’s growth brings opportunities to continue strengthening our resident's quality life. Through upcoming community conversations, residents and businesses can share ideas and priorities on the issues that matter most to them. By working together we will continue to enhance services that support our families, businesses and local economy.

Plans community conversations for residents and businesses to share priorities on local services.

- Plans community conversations for residents and businesses to share priorities on local services.

Public Services

As of September 24, 2026, Mary M. Dennis did not have a website or any information online.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

The result of an effort she began over seven years ago, bringing to Live Oak a public transportation service that does not extend to the city, it was her proudest moment yet in service as mayor.

“That, to me, is real effective change — making a difference in the lives of the students, the faculty and staff — that they have a way to get to work and school, learn and be all they can be,” she said.

Mortician-mayor of Live Oak on her 14 years in office: ‘I didn’t come to stay’

As mayor, worked to bring public transportation service to Live Oak so people could get to work and school.

Prioritizes better infrastructure and efficient city services.

- As mayor, worked to bring public transportation service to Live Oak so people could get to work and school.
- Prioritizes better infrastructure and efficient city services.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Is committed to protecting Live Oak's water supply.

- Is committed to protecting Live Oak's water supply.

Energy & the Environment

Mary M. Dennis

As of September 24, 2026, Mary M. Dennis’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Prioritizes better infrastructure and efficient city services.

A 2005 graduate of San Antonio College’s mortuary science program, Dennis entered higher education as a non-traditional student – balancing work, family and school. Today, after more than a decade and multiple election cycles as mayor, she continues to lead with the same purpose that first guided her: making a difference in people’s lives.

Mary M. Dennis completed San Antonio College's mortuary science program in 2005.

Mary is also a licensed Funeral Director having worked for both Sutton & Sutton Mortuary and Lewis Funeral Home. She helps wonderful people make difficult decisions and provide assistance during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Mary has found both of these professions to be very rewarding.

Mary M. Dennis is a licensed funeral director who has worked for Sutton & Sutton Mortuary and Lewis Funeral Home.

Mary M. Dennis - Director - Regional Directors - Texas Association ...

Twice she ran for a council seat, demonstrating her determination and commitment to civic engagement and local governance. In 2010, she made history as the first African American Mayor of Live Oak, a position she has held with distinction since then, earning re-election in 2022. As Mayor, she has consistently focused on building stronger connections across the city’s diverse neighborhoods, increasing the efficiency and accessibility of city government, and ensuring that residents have a voice in shaping the future of their community.

Mayor and City Council

Mary has served as mayor of Live Oak since 2010 and was reelected in 2022.

Supports local businesses and prudent use of tax dollars.

Plans community conversations to gather ideas and priorities from residents and businesses.

Is committed to protecting the water supply and stabilizing city revenue while minimizing financial pressure on residents.

Mary M. Dennis was born in Newton, Mississippi. Mary’s father served in the United States Army and the family traveled throughout Europe and the United States. The family moved to San Antonio, Texas when Mary was 15.

Mary M. Dennis | Texas African American Baptist Convention

Mary, also known as "Little Mary" is the daughter of Mary Wyatt, the former owner of "Flowers by Mary". She is a Sam Houston High School graduate, a paraprofessional with the San Antonio Independent School District and completed a Mortuary Science Associate Degree at San Antonio College. Mary is passionate about the education and safety of our children.

Mary M. Dennis was born in Newton, Mississippi. She completed an associate degree in mortuary science at San Antonio College.

Mary, also known as "Little Mary" is the daughter of Mary Wyatt, the former owner of "Flowers by Mary". She is a Sam Houston High School graduate, a paraprofessional with the San Antonio Independent School District and completed a Mortuary Science Associate Degree at San Antonio College.

Mary is passionate about the education and safety of our children. Mary is also a licensed Funeral Director having worked for both Sutton & Sutton Mortuary and Lewis Funeral Home. She helps wonderful people make difficult decisions and provide assistance during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Mary M. Dennis works as a paraprofessional with the San Antonio Independent School District. She is a licensed funeral director and has worked for Sutton & Sutton Mortuary and Lewis Funeral Home.

Mayor and City Council | City of Live Oak

Mary currently serves as mayor of Live Oak. She was elected in 2010 and reelected in 2022. She previously ran twice for a council seat.

Supports local businesses and the wise use of tax dollars.

Plans community conversations so residents and businesses can share their priorities.

As mayor, is focused on making city government more efficient and accessible and giving residents a voice in shaping their community.

Is committed to stabilizing city revenue while minimizing the financial pressure on residents from state-mandated property-tax reductions.

Mayor Mary M. Dennis was born in Newton, Mississippi, into a military family that instilled in her the values of service, dedication, and perseverance.

Her father’s career in the United States Army took the family across Europe and the United States before they eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas, when Mary was fifteen years old. These experiences exposed her to diverse communities and taught her the importance of public service, integrity, and compassion, principles that have guided her throughout her life and career.

Mary M. Dennis was born in Newton, Mississippi, and her family settled in San Antonio when she was 15. She graduated from San Antonio College's mortuary science program in 2005.

Mary works as a paraprofessional with the San Antonio Independent School District. She is also a licensed funeral director and previously worked for Sutton & Sutton Mortuary and Lewis Funeral Home.

Mary has received numerous awards, but her most noteworthy accomplishment is being chosen to serve as Mayor for the City of Live Oak in the June 12, 2010 run-off election. She is the First African American to serve the City of Live Oak in this capacity. Prior to her Mayoral election, she ran twice for council seats in Live Oak and was defeated each time by a few votes.

In 2010, she made history as the first African American Mayor of Live Oak, a position she has held with distinction since then, earning re-election in 2022.

Prior to her Mayoral election, she ran twice for council seats in Live Oak and was defeated each time by a few votes. As destiny would have it, Mary was given the opportunity to complete the council place terms both times as the elected council person resigned.

Mary has served as mayor of Live Oak since her 2010 runoff election and was reelected in 2022. Before becoming mayor, she ran twice for Live Oak council seats and was defeated both times. She later completed two council terms after elected council members resigned.

Plans community conversations for residents and businesses to share their priorities.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

- The role of a mayor in Texas is to preside over council meetings, represent the city, and facilitate communication between officials. 
- Cities may grant the mayor additional power or roles. 
- Mayors can also appoint members of citizen advisory boards and commissions.
- Mayors represent the city in intergovernmental relationships.
- Term limits, length of office, and salaries vary across cities or townships.

Head of the executive office in each city.