Mary Ella Brashears Needham

She is survived by daughters, Andrea (Ryan Byrnes) Needham of Sarasota, Florida, and Audrey Needham of Knoxville, Tennessee; and siblings William Brashears, Carlene Wilburn, Ethel Whitton and Carl Brashears, Jr., all of Knoxville.

Mary is preceded in death by her daughter Angela Kay Needham; parents Carl and Bobbie Brashears; and siblings, Charles Brashears, John Brashears, Teresa Byrd, Barbara Moore, Zola Strickland, Almeda Adkins, and Bobbie Goode.

Mary was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 6, 1944. She attended Rule High School where she became a well-known local talent, often showcasing her vocal capabilities at local events, including an invitation to perform on the Cas Walker Show. Mary served as secretary of her graduating class at Knoxville Evening School- “The First Accredited Evening High School for Adults in Tennessee.”

Mary later became a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church (Louisville, TN), where she enjoyed her role as the Choir Director, delivering memorable cantatas to the congregation year after year.

She loved being outdoors. Her favorite pastimes included gardening, fishing, spending time on the water and shelling. Her greatest love, however, was being a mother to her three girls.

A visitation for family and friends will be held this Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Clubhouse in the Villas of Lyons Crossing, 8546 Oxford Drive, Knoxville, TN.