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Mary ShellAmerican politician and mayor of Bakersfield, California
Date of Birth: 09.02.1927
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Mary K. Shell: Trailblazing Mayor and Political Powerhouse
- Early Life and Family
- Journalism Career
- Marriages and Family Life
- Political Career
- Post-Political Life
Mary K. Shell: Trailblazing Mayor and Political Powerhouse
Mary Katherine Jaynes Shell, born February 9, 1927, made history as the first female mayor of Bakersfield, California, serving from 1981 to 1985. She also became the second woman to hold a seat on the Kern County Board of Supervisors (1985-1997).
Early Life and Family
Born in Bakersfield, Shell was the younger of two daughters to Walter Jaynes and Mary Ellen Young. Her paternal grandfather, Harris E. Jaynes, worked as a welder for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Shell's early interests included journalism and politics. She served as editor of her school newspapers and actively participated in student government.
Journalism Career
After attending Bakersfield College for a semester, Shell left to pursue a career in journalism. She worked as a promising reporter for "The Bakersfield Californian" and became a flight dispatcher at La Cresta Airport.
Marriages and Family Life
Shell married twice before meeting Joe Shell, a decorated World War II flight instructor. They married in 1970. Shell became a reporter and editor for the "News Bulletin." In 1978, the Shells founded Concho Petroleum, a small oil company that operated until 1993.
Political Career
Shell entered politics in 1979, running for mayor of Bakersfield and winning the election in 1981. Her term was marked by tragedy: her son, Timothy, died of a drug overdose in 1979, and her daughter, Meredith, died of heart failure in 1981.
Post-Political Life
After retiring from public office, Shell and her husband, Joe, remained influential in Bakersfield politics. She established the Mary K. Shell Fellowship in Journalism and the Mary K. Shell Mental Health Facility in Bakersfield. The "Bakersfield Californian" hailed her as "the most popular politician in Kern County history."
