Mary Strong Dalton

Mary Dalton, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 7th, 2026. She was born on May 17, 1940, in Celina, Tennessee to Herschel and Jewel Strong, the second of four children. In 1945, her family moved to Gallatin, Tennessee, where Mary spent much of her youth and later graduated from Gallatin High School in 1958.

Immediately following graduation, Mary began a career with the State of Tennessee that would span four decades. Over the course of her impressive 40-year career, she served under many administrations in a variety of human resource and personnel roles. Mary was known for her dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to serving others through her work.

In the 1970s, Mary became a member of Belmont Church, where she grew into a deeply valued and faithful member of the church community. She served in numerous ministries and on multiple boards, giving generously of her time and talents. One of Mary’s favorite places to be was the Tennessee Prison for Women where she loved, taught, and cared for the women she cherished there for many years. Her lifelong philanthropic spirit reflected who Mary was at her core—a loving, faithful, and dedicated servant to Jesus and others.

In 1976 Mary met the love of her life, Larry Dalton. On April 11, 1980, they were baptized in the morning then married in the afternoon by Don Finto. That is when Mary and Larry begin their lifelong calling as a team to serve Jesus by loving and caring for others. Mary understood the lordship of Jesus over their lives and rarely made a commitment in which she did not add, "Lord willing." Those who knew Mary will remember that they seldom saw her without a smile on her face or a song in her heart. Her warmth and joy were contagious, and she brought light to every room she entered.

Mary especially treasured her role as an aunt, great-aunt, and “pretend grand” to so many who were blessed by her love, encouragement, prayers, and unwavering support. She was their greatest cheerleader.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Herschel and Jewel Strong; her brother, Leon Strong; her nephew, Mike Strong; and her brother-in-law, Bob Nicholls.

She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Dalton; her sister, Martha Nicholls; and her brother, Larry Strong (Pam). She is also survived by her nephews Scott Strong, Nick Strong, and Justin Strong (Kathryn); her sister-in-law Betty Leath (Homer); her great-niece Caitlin Suddarth (Jon); and her great-niece and great-nephew Olivia and Luke Strong.

Mary is also survived by the Duke family, her cherished bonus family, caretakers, and “pretend grands” who played an integral role in her life: Brooks Duke, Missy Duke, Rebekah Duke-Crockett, Katie Scruggs, and Daniel Duke.

Mary’s life was defined by faith, service, kindness, and radiant joy. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her generosity, encouragement, and unwavering love. But Mary was not just a good person. She was someone whose heart was captured by the love of Jesus, and it showed. Shortly after her passing from this earthly realm, Larry commented, "Mary is with Jesus now. That's where she always wanted to be."

Services will be live streamed 15 minutes before service please refer to website link for information https://www.facebook.com/WoodlawnRoesch/