She graduated from Chattanooga High School and the University of Chattanooga with a degree in psychology. She taught at Orange Grove for 4 years and also worked with Head Start, Home Bound, and Adult Education. She then became an admired teacher at Rossville High School and Ridgeland High School and retired after 32 years. Mary was a member of First Centenary United Methodist Church of Chattanooga for 66 years, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and serving on the Altar Guild and Commission on Education.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert A. Emerson and Margaret C. Emerson, and her beloved sister, Ann Emerson Lonas.
She is survived by her niece, Laura Lonas ( Tom ) Hughes ; great nieces, Natalie Ann and Mary Allison Hughes ; brother-in-law, Jack Lonas ; first cousins, Suzie Conner Engelskirchen, Margaret Conner Sheehan, and Jane Cunningham Browning, and several other cousins.
Special thanks to Dr. Jack McCallie for his care and concern for over 30 years. Also, the family is grateful for the compassion and support of Hospice of Chattanooga and sitters Monica Kyles, Ann Gilbert, and Quentella Robertson. Much love and gratitude goes to treasured friends Annie Borkman, Jane Buckner, Brenda Melton, Virginia Napier, and Ann and Bob Reid.
The family will receive friends at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, from 5 – 7pm on Monday September 15, 2014.
The funeral service will be at the Kate Lyle West Chapel of First Centenary United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm Tuesday, September 16, 2014 with visitation one hour prior to the service. Senior Minister Dr. Doug Fairbanks, Dr. Linda McDaniel and Dr. David Harr will be officiating. Interment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga and the TV ministry or Congregational Care of First Centenary United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist
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