Mary D. Usher

Mary Dison Usher, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and avid gardener, went home to be with the Lord on December 11th, 2016 after a long battle against Alzheimer's. She was preceded in death by her Husband of 66 years, Alexander James Usher and her only Son, Charlie. Born June 24, 1928 in Hatchett Creek, AL as one of 10 kids, she learned to garden and cook - skills that would keep her family well fed for her entire life. Mary and Alex built a house in the Bluff Park area of Birmingham and spent their entire marriage there. They were active in Green Valley Baptist Church. They loved to dance and travel. Mary retired from Alabama Power where she processed payroll without the use of computers. Mary and Alex built a cabin next to her brother’s farm in Hatchett Creek and spent many weekends and vacations there. They taught their grandchildren to fish, skip rocks, and catch crawdads in the creek and pond. They delighted in the company of family, many who still live close by. She is survived by her 4 grandchildren, Honor (Doug) Hightshue, Chris (Martha) Usher, Laurel (T. W.) Francescon, all of Signal Mountain, TN, and Alex Usher of Flintstone, GA, and 9 great grandchildren. After Alex’s death in 2014, the grandchildren moved her to Signal Mountain to be close to them. Although the dementia kept her from fully enjoying their company, she spent her last hours clutching Honor’s hand before passing peacefully in her sleep. Visitation will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 17th at Johns-Ridout’s Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel at 800 Dennison Ave SW, Birmingham, AL., followed by a graveside service at Noon.