Mary Angeline King Driver

Mrs. Driver was born in Jackson, TN to Robert Allen and Willie Lugene King, and was the oldest of eight siblings.

Visitation will be held at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel from 12 p.m.- 2 p.m., at which time a Celebration of Life will be held. Bro. Dan Bruce of First Baptist Church will be officiating, and Angela White Kelley will read a eulogy written especially for her grandmother. Mary will be laid to rest at Ridgecrest Cemetery beside her loving husband of 67 years, James H. Driver, who preceded her to Heaven on July 7, 2011.

Mrs. Driver, educated in Jackson City Schools, accepted her first job at the Greyhound Bus Station on Main Street. Mary met and fell in love with James, the love of her life, and they were married on December 3, 1943. In 1951, she became a full time housewife and a loving stay at home mom. In 1969, with her children in high school, Mary accepted employment at Rockwell International as the Cafeteria Manager and retired in 1979.

Mary was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Jackson and was baptized by Pastor W. Fred Kendall in April, 1952. She served on several church committees, assisted in the nursery on Sunday mornings, vacation bible school and youth choir functions. She sewed choir robes and costumes for the youth choir and helped prepare food for the Sunday night dinners.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and filled her Christian home with laughter, friends, and unconditional love. Mary instilled in her family the meaning of the words honor, respect, and forgiveness. She loved gardening, the scent of freshly cut flowers, canning, quilting, sewing, and singing.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Susan White (Joe) and Gayle Gilbert (Rusty) of Jackson, TN; three grandchildren, Angela Kelley (Dustin) of Murfreesboro, TN, Meredith Gooch (Clay) of Plano, TX and Jason Tacker of Bartlett, TN; one great-granddaughter, Rachel Gooch of Plano, TX; one brother, Billy Gene King of Arlington, TN; one sister, Burnell Wright of Kenner, LA; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the medical staff, caregivers, and Hospice nurses for their loving care, devotion and support.

Pallbearers will be Bob Browning, Mayor Jerry Gist, Clarence Jones, Adam Poole, Bobby Poole, and Monte Singleton.

Mama will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and best friend to her daughters, and a cherished friend to many. We will miss her laughter, her antics, her wise guidance and her loving arms around us.

I thank my God upon ever rememberance of you. Phillipians 1:3.

George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555.