Mary was born on August 21, 1928, to Robert Lee Cooper and Clairece Dunlap Cooper in Slate Springs, MS – the oldest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Glenda Joyce Mayhan; and siblings: Barbara Vance, Walter Cooper, Betty Bolton, Robert Lee Cooper, Jr., and Billie Costilow. Mary leaves behind her husband of 77 years, Odom Wesley Mayhan; children, Sandra Mayhan Wender (Richard) and Don Mayhan (Linda); grandchildren: Wesley Melton (Leah), Allison Mayhan Webb (Justin), Sarah Jane Mayhan Lienhard (Jered), Robert (Rob) Melton (Sheridan), Rachel Mayhan, Michael Wender, Kevin Wender, Caitlin Johnson (Jason); 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jeraline Minga. Mary, Mama, Mumzy, Aunt Mary Earl grew up and vowed never to marry a farmer! She met her husband Odom while working at the hosiery mill in Grenada, Mississippi. They married on May 30th, 1947. She worked as a Secretary for Memphis City Schools and retired to support Odom in his construction business. She loved to read and as a child often forgot to churn while reading! She was quite the athlete - high scorer on her basketball team, high average in her bowling league, waterskiing with the family, dancing, and golf. Her hobbies included drawing, sewing (over 2 dozen quilts by hand) crocheting, and watching football – especially Ole Miss. They loved to travel, their favorite spot was Hawaii which they visited eight times, traveled throughout the US and Europe with friends. In recent years they traveled with the Forever Young Group to Pearl Harbor. Mary and Odom square danced and round dancing with old and new friends they met throughout the country. Mary continued line dancing until just 2 years ago. While she loved all these activities none were more meaningful to her than family. She married the love of her life and had such pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and the families they created.
Heaven has gained a sweet soul.
Consider wearing a touch of pink to her life celebration – her favorite!
Please consider making donations to LaBelle Haven Baptist Church, Olive Branch.MS (lwww.labellehaven.org) or St. Jude (www.stjude.org)
