Mary Ruth Riggs Brawner

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Mary Ruth Brawner who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Mary was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Mary knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Mary was born on March 21, 1947 at her homeplace in Corinth, Mississippi. Her parents were Connie and Essie Brock Riggs. Mary was raised in Corinth, Mississippi. Even as a youngster, Mary learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Mary was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Mary was raised with seven siblings. She had three older brothers, Fleva, Charles, and Troy; two olders sisters, Mildred and Ollie; and two younger sisters, Patricia and Betty. Mary had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Mary, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Mary's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Mary enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Mary took part in basketball and riding bicycles. She was a member of FHA.

      In school, Mary was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Mary was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Mary’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Kossuth High School in 1965. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Mary’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Mary’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Mary saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her License of Cosmotology.

      Mary was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Mary was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Mary came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Faye, Linda, and Betty Horn, Wanda Mitchell, Harold Cadle, Ronnie Brand, Buddy Ayers, Jerry Brawner, Carolyn Dilworth, Johnnie Faye Bonds, Peggy Rogers, Dorothy Leatherwood, and the Bradley kids. Later in life, she became friends with Martha James and sisters, Pat Bradley, Betty Vandergriff, Maylene and Wayne Moore, Doris McCoy, Bro. Excel and Joanne Burleson, Tommy and Carolyn Leatherwood, Jimmy and Joan Monroe, Robert and Bit Brawner, Pat Sweat, Ed Benjamin, Collie and Marie McCord, Jackie Counce and family, Clay and Betty Mills, Craig Wilbanks, Cassie and Effie Lou Castile, the Powell family, Joe David Ward, Jack Palmer family, and many more.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Mary reveled in the security of her family. On January 12, 1973 Mary exchanged wedding vows with Max Leslie Brawner at the Justice of the Peace at the Court House of Florence, Alabama. One of Mary’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Mary was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Mary would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Mary was blessed with three children, two daughters, Tonya and Cynthia (Cindy); and one son, Curtis. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Matthew, Austin, Koda, Katie, and Autumn.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Mary was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Mary was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Mary upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was housewife, momma, and mawmaw. Mary was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Mary approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were playing the piano at home and church, singing, spending time with Max, kids, and grandkids, fishing, and attending gospel singings. Mary was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Mary to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included raising cows, donkeys, and fishing. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity.

      Being generous with her time and energy, Mary liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Mary was a member of the Future Homemakers of America.

      Faith was important to Mary. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of Unity Baptist Church. During some of that time, she was church secretary.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Mary used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Mary had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Panama City, Florida and touring the Soutwest.

      Mary was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Mary’s favorites was Bouncer, a Fiest/Bassett Hound Cross. They were best friends for 5 years. Her family was rounded out by her donkeys, cows, and horses.

      When Mary’s retirement finally arrived in 2004, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to returned to being a homemaker and a housewife. In retirement, she found new pleasure in being an active church member and being a mawmaw to all of her grandchildren. In many ways, Mary loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Mary passed away on February 5, 2011 at UAB in Birmingham, Alabama. Mary was advised to have whippel procedure and upon having surgery several complications occured. She fought a long hard battle for 5 1/2 months. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Max Brawner of Corinth; one son, Curtis Brawner of Corinth; two daughters, Tonya Bodiford of Henderson, Tn. And Cynthia Strickland of Glen; two brothers, Troy Riggs of Collierville, TN. And Charles Riggs of Dayton, Tx; and four sisters, Mildred Floyd of Corinth, Ollie Leatherwood of Corinth, Patricia Coley of Muscle Shoals, and Betty Burcham of Corinth; and five grandchildren, Matthew Bodiford, Austin Brawner, Autumn Brawner, Koda Strickland, and Katie Strickland. Services were held at McPeters Inc. Funeral Directors Chapel. Mary was laid to rest in Forrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

      All who knew her would agree that Mary was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Mary Ruth Brawner did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Mary's family was honored when they received the following letter:

Dear Mr. Brawner:

As Lieutenant Governor of the State of Mississippi and Presiding Officer of the Mississippi State Senate, I would like to inform you that the Mississippi Senate adjourned in memory of Mary Riggs Brawner. This motion was made by Senator Eric Powell. Furthermore, this motion was recorded in the Mississippi Senate Journal and will forever be a permanent record of the State of Mississippi.

The Mississippi State Senate extends our deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Please know that we share your loss and offer our continued prayers.

Please let me know if I can ever help you or your family in any way.

Sincerely,

Phil Bryant

Lieutenant Governor

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Mary Riggs Brawner, 63, died Saturday, February 5, 2011 at University of Birmingham Hospital in Birmingham, Al. after an extended illness. She was a member of Unity Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 1:00 pm at McPeters Inc. Funeral Directors Chapel with Bro. Excel Burleson officiating. Burial will be in Forrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday, February 7, 2011 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Max Brawner of Corinth; one son, Curtis Brawner of Corinth; two daughters, Tonya Bodiford of Henderson, Tn. And Cynthia Strickland of Glen; two brothers, Troy Riggs of Collierville, TN. And Charles Riggs of Dayton, Tx; and four sisters, Mildred Floyd of Corinth, Ollie Leatherwood of Corinth, Patricia Coley of Muscle Shoals, and Betty Burcham of Corinth; and five grandchildren, Matthew Bodiford, Austin Brawner, Autumn Brawner, Koda Strickland, and Katie Strickland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Connie and Essie Brock Riggs; and one brother, Fleva Riggs.

Arrangements under the direction of McPeters Funeral Directors, Corinth, MS.