Mary Nelle Zimmer

Mary moved to Knoxville, Tennessee as a young adult to attend business school, and once graduated, accepted a job with Knoxville Utility Board. One weekend while visiting family back in Sweetwater, Mary met Jerry Zimmer, a young man who lived in Atlanta, recently returned from an overseas assignment with the military. They were setup on a blind date by her sister and sister’s boyfriend, Jerry’s roommate. That’s the last first date either of them ever had.

Soon after, Mary moved to Atlanta, and in 1972 they were married. They enjoyed an active social life, traveling with friends, long weekends on the lake, and attending classic car shows in their 1969 Dodge Charger RT. In 1985, they had their one and only child, Brandy. Mary was a devoted mother who always ensured Brandy made it to her ballet lessons on time and was often hosting sleepovers for Brandy and her friends.

Mary enjoyed spending time with her family in the mountains, collecting Christmas Snow Babies, long chats on the phone with her sister, Eula, and occasionally indulging in scratch off tickets. She never met a John Grisham book or movie she didn’t like, her favorite being The Pelican Brief. She retired from Shaw after an incredible 43 years of service. After retiring, she spent most of her time enjoying bird watching on her back porch and going to dinner with her husband.

Mary was a loyal and loving wife and mother. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an even better heart. She was known for her spirited southern hospitality and warm hugs.

Along with her parents, Mary is survived in death by her husband, Jerry, daughter, Brandy, sister, Eula Pedigo and her loving friends and neighbors. A graveside service will take place for Mary at 9:30 am on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.