Services will be held at Collier-Butler Chapel Thursday, June 5, at 3:00 p.m. for Mary Kathleen Burrell, 69, who passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Reverends Bobbie Joe Winningham and Ross Swindall will officiate. Burial will follow at Forrest Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.
Mary was born on October 30, 1944. She was saved in 1953 at Forrest Avenue Baptist Church and baptized by Rev. John Gibbs. Twenty-one years later she rededicated her life to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a member of Forrest Avenue Baptist for over 30 years. At the time of her passing, she was a member of McEntyre Baptist Church in Ashville. She and her late husband, Bob, attended there many years prior to their deaths. After the death of her daughter, Judy Ann Hollingsworth, Bob picked her up and made her life worth living again. He was her life and without him she had lost her will for living.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Robert (Bob) Burrell; her parents, Flavil Ashley Thomas and Callie Lou Thomas; daughter, Judy Ann; first husband, Lacel Hollingsworth; brothers, Edwin, Joe, and James Thomas.
She is survived by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bruce and Myrna Burrell; sister-in-law, Lila Mae Thomas; step-daughters Donna (Donald) Self, Tammy (David) Bryant, and Anna Marie (Allen) Lancaster; step-sons Glenis Hollingsworth, Perry Burrell, and David Burrell; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins and friends.
Mary was a member of the National MS Society, a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW. She was employed at General Times and Gulf States Steel for over 33 years combined.
Pallbearers will be family and church family members. Honorary pallbearers will be Anna Marie and Trevor Lancaster, Al Thomas, and Mark Burrell.
Special thanks to Dr. John Keithan and his nurse, Lisa; the entire staff of Gentiva Hospice but a special thank you to Kristy and Rod who took such good care of Mary during her illness. Flowers will be accepted but donations to the National MS Society, American Lung Association, or your favorite charity would be appreciated.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to service.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
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