Mary Jane McKay

Mary Jane graduated from West Monroe High School and later earned her degree from the University of Louisiana, Monroe. She devoted many years of her life to teaching high school English in Mississippi, where she influenced and encouraged countless students through her love of learning and literature.

In addition to her teaching career, Mary Jane owned and operated the Court Jester popcorn shop in the Hickory Ridge Mall alongside her beloved husband, Dr. Sidney J. McKay. She quickly became known for her warm personality and entrepreneurial spirit.

For 51 years, Mary Jane and Sidney were faithful members of Second Baptist Church, where they built lasting friendships and remained active in their church community. They sang together in the choir and Mary Jane played the piano for children’s choirs for many years.

Together, Mary Jane and Sidney were devoted supporters of the University of Memphis Tigers and longtime season ticket holders. Sidney also served as the Director of Bands at the University of Memphis and the director of the Memphis Wind Symphony, roles that were a significant part of their shared life and community involvement.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Beulah Dreasler, and by her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Harold Bates.

She is survived by her son, Julian (Katherine) McKay and granddaughters Morgan and Madeline McKay; and by her daughter Susan (Jeff) Lovelace and granddaughters Sidney (Jared) Brown, and Haylie Lovelace. She will be remembered for her faith, kindness, devotion to her family, and the joy she found in supporting those that she loved.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Memphis Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m., with a reception afterward at the funeral home.