Eric and Mary Guvernator

Mary Virginia Peacock Guvernator, a cherished member of the Marshall, Texas community, passed away alongside her husband of 37 years, Eric James Guvernator, on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Mary was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends. Her compassionate spirit touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her laugh was infectious and was definitely something everyone remembers. She and Eric shared a deep bond, evident in their many years together and the life they built in Marshall.
Mary was born on August 26, 1961 to James Lester Peacock and Virginia Speedy Peacock Wiggins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Jack Wiggins, her brothers Tony & Speedy Peacock, her mother-in-law Frances Guvernator, her father-in-law Carl Guvernator, her brother-in-law Donald Guvernator, and her sisters-in-law Rusty Peacock and Julie Guvernator. Left to cherish Mary's memory are her son, David Guvernator of Colorado; her daughter Katie Johnson of Dallas; her daughter Grace Pierce and her husband Michael Pierce of Colorado; her grandchildren whom she adored, Caroline Chesser, Katherine Johnson and Charlie Pierce; and her siblings, Hoke Peacock and his wife Lou Ann of Beaumont, Joe Peacock and his wife Lana of Jacksonville, Cathy Stephens of Jacksonville, and Janie Peacock Powell and her husband Malcolm of Jacksonville. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Mary Louise Peacock of Jacksonville and Ginny Ishaq of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews who loved her big. Mary is survived by many family members and friends who will remember her for her generosity, her love for community, and her unwavering support for those around her. Her legacy will continue through the countless lives she impacted with her kindness and grace.
She loved spending time with her older sister, Cathy Stephens at her home in Jacksonville as well as shopping with her in Tyler. Their children affectionately referred to them as "twins" and would describe them as a bonded pair. They also loved visiting their siblings as well whenever they were together. To Cathy, Mary was her everything...her best friend, her sister and her daughter.
Mary was so competitive in playing games that we would want to play just to hear her laugh. She loved her time spent with her family and was happiest when she was surrounded by them, especially at holidays and events. She made sure she was the last one to go to bed so she didn't miss any of the fun. She loved "coffee time" in the mornings just to sit and chit chat whenever family was near.
She had the most tender heart for animals, taking in any stray whether it was a dog, cat or even a gecko from a high school project that should've lived only two years, (but she kept him alive for more than a decade).
She was a dedicated volunteer for years with Meals on Wheels and faithfully attended Eucharistic Adoration at the church every week for years.
Pallbearers will be Nick Peacock, Ben Peacock, Blake Stephens, Clint Stephens, Shaun Kelehan and Andrew Kelehan.
A thoughtful alternative to flowers would be a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the beloved church of Mary and Eric, located at 410 North Alamo Blvd, Marshall, TX 75670.

Eric James Guvernator, a cherished member of the Marshall, Texas community, passed away alongside his wife of 37 years, Mary Virginia Peacock Guvernator on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Eric was known for his desire and ability to form and maintain a genuine connection with everyone he met, and for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was generous with heartfelt praise as well as lovingly offered honesty. Everyone who knew him can attest to his ability to make them feel heard and he always ensured they we were left with a smile on their face. Mary was the love of his life. He and Mary shared a deep bond, raising a family of three children in loved-filled homes around Marshall. Their latest "humble abode" of 2023 was their custom designed dream home. They created a place for family, friends and neighbors to enjoy; he was extremely proud of the way it turned out. Eric could be spotted around the neighborhood in his colorful golf cart, stopping to chat with whomever he came across. Eric and Mary loved the community of Marshall.
Eric loved to entertain. He was a storyteller and an impersonator. A few of his many personas are his "squirrel" persona, and the rapper "Uncle E-Dog". Also, if you knew Eric, you would be familiar with his "Eric sayings" like his reply to a question, "Does a chicken have lips?", "does a bear *** in the woods?" and more.
Eric Guvernator was born in Binghamton, New York on March 24, 1959, to Carl James Guvernator and Frances Leonard Brooks. He grew up in Apple Valley, CA and St. Charles, MO before moving to Grapevine, TX and finally to Marshall with his wife Mary and their children. He studied mechanical engineering for two years at the University of Mines in Rolla, MO and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He moved on to attend flying school and was contracted to fly for Fed Ex for five years. The third shift hours proved difficult for him and his family, so he learned a new skill repairing hail damage to cars. He created the business, "Dent Magic" (Nearly World Famous!) where he became an expert at paintless dent removal. Eric spent the last years of his life doing what he loved alongside his business partner Aaron McKinley. Eric was also an award-winning sailor and racer and an essential member of the Shreveport Yacht Club where he was active in running national regattas.
Eric is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Donald Guvernator, and his sister Julie Guvernator. Left to cherish his memory are his son, David Guvernator and his daughter, Katie Johnson of Dallas, his daughter, Grace Pierce and her husband, Michael Pierce of Colorado. Eric is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Caroline Chesser, Katherine Johnson and Charlie Pierce;
his sister, Virginia Ishaq of Milwaukee, and his niece, Christina of New York City. He is also survived by members of the Peacock family, Hoke and Lou Ann Peacock of Beaumont, Joe and Lana Peacock, Cathy Stephens, Janie Peacock Powell and her husband, Malcom Powell, all of Jacksonville and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Eric Aufner, David Black, Rick Fletcher, Aaron Kirk, Tom Hadel and Aaron McKinley.
A thoughtful alternative to flowers would be a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the beloved church of Mary and Eric, located at 410 North Alamo Blvd, Marshall, TX 75670.