OBITUARY
Dr. Mary Collins Holcomb
November 25, 1952 – February 12, 2021
Dr. Mary Collins Holcomb, age 68, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Holcomb was the Gerald T. Niedert Professor, Professor of Supply Chain Management, and the Martin and Jean Mills Faculty Research Fellow at the University of Tennessee. She was also an amazing grandmother, mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend and mentor.
Mary was born on November 25, 1952 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mable Collins; son, Tim Holcomb; and brother Bill Collins (Marilyn).
Mary is survived by her husband of 40 years, Brady Holcomb; children, Amy (Sean) Bare, Dereck (Krystal) Holcomb and Darcie Holcomb; grandchildren, Allison Bare and Ansleigh Holcomb; seven siblings and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews, all whom she loved dearly.
Mary was the leader and glue that so beautifully bound the family together. She organized and hosted countless family events, always in thoughtful and caring ways. Whether the 4th of July or Christmas gatherings, she worked tirelessly to ensure those gatherings were so special to everyone. She loved her family fiercely and was the biggest cheerleader and advocate -- both personally and professionally -- for her entire family.
Mary’s nurturing spirit also extended to her students for which she gave so much as she touched many lives. Mary contributed not only to their professional development, but also to their personal experiences and growth. Even after her students graduated, she continued to be there for them regardless of the circumstances. Dr. Holcomb was truly extraordinary as a teacher and as a person!
If you would like to join in honoring Mary’s giving spirit and legacy, please see the following opportunities for contributing:
• The Dr. Mary C. Holcomb Scholarship Endowment (giving.utk.edu/holcomb) or mail checks payable to The University of Tennessee (in the memo note “Dr. Mary C. Holcomb Scholarship Endowment”) to UT Haslam College of Business 468 Haslam Business Building Knoxville, TN 37996
• Cokesbury United Methodist Church - Manna House (www.cokesbury.tv/give)
Due to Covid-19 concerns, the family will be holding a private memorial service. The family will schedule a public celebration of Mary’s life in the Spring at Berry Highland Memorial Chapel.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Dr. Mary Collins Holcomb
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYRichard D. (Doug) White
February 24, 2021
Brady, my prayers are with you and the family. I didn’t have the opportunity of knowing all of you that well thirty plus years ago, but I felt well acquainted with you through Mary. Mary and I were in UT’s doctoral program together. Her tenacity exceeded mine, after a twenty-four year naval career, so I didn’t’ finish my dissertation. I also didn’t see myself as a 55 year old tenure seeking professor. But I always treasured her positive attitude and warm smile. Mary left us much too soon. Smooth sailing and God bless you Mary. I’ll look forward to seeing you the other side of the sunset.
Doug White
CHETT WINCHELL
February 23, 2021
Mary was just starting out under the watchful eyes of Dr. Pete Patton when I was graduating in 1989. She came in like a whirlwind with a fresh set of eyes and a heart full of want. I didn't have a class with her, but have stayed in contact over the years. Bravo Zulu Mary on all of your accomplishments! You will be missed!
Joy Powers
February 23, 2021
Dr. Holcomb was a wonderful person and a wonderful professor. As a non-traditional, older student, she was a mentor, motivator, and encourager for me. (She encouraged me to apply for a scholarship, which I received!) I went through school the same time as her daughter and she treated us all the same. She truly was a caring person, a light to all.
Praying for her family, colleagues, friends, and students.
Amy Anderson
February 21, 2021
For me, "that one instructor" I recall as having the biggest impact on me was Dr. Mary Holcomb. I'll never forget taking her class in the late 1990's. As she was returning one especially challenging exam to the class, she said to me "you're really quite good at this. You should stop by my office and we can talk more." I did and she became an invaluable mentor to me. I ran into her a couple of years ago, and even after all those years, and all the students she has taught since then, she still remembered me. Only someone truly dedicated to teaching and mentoring our students could have done that. I am blessed to have known her, and I know many of our students feel the same. She's a very special lady who will be missed. My prayers are with her family and friends.
Miriam Chung
February 21, 2021
Dr. Holcomb was the most genuine, intelligent, kindhearted, and passionate professor I've ever had the privilege of getting to know and learn from. I frequently told her about how I get anxious about tests and projects, but she would always tell me with such a calm and caring tone, "deep breaths Miriam, deep breaths. You're going to do just fine," while telling me that 10 years from now, I won't be concerned with what grade I made on a test. Well it's only been a few months since she'd said that to me, and even after a few months, this is so true. Her spirit and words of encouragement linger and resonate in my heart.
I truly am so blessed to not only have gotten to meet Dr. Holcomb and be taught in her class, but also that I was able to learn real life lessons from the advice she would give me. Even when she was going through so much, and was in so much pain, her selfless character shined though because she always asked what she could help me with and asked how I was doing. Praying for the healing and comfort of all her family and friends, as well as her co-works and students who loved her so much. Rest in peace, Dr. Holcomb. and thank you so much.
Tracie Woidtke
February 19, 2021
Mary was a light to those around her. Her bright smile and friendly greeting always brightened my day. She was a wonderful colleague and role model. She will be missed but remembered by so many whose lives she touched.
Tim Munyon
February 18, 2021
Mary was a remarkable colleague. I was inspired by her keen intellect, passion for this institution and students, and compassion for others. A "Volunteer" through and through, she contributed much to the emergence of UT's globally-recognized supply chain and graduate business programs. Beyond her many professional accomplishments, though, I will most miss her kind smile, support, and friendship.
Kelsey Bailey
February 18, 2021
I had Dr. Holcomb as a professor last semester and she was one of the best that I have had so far at UT. I look back at my time in class and think she was way more than a professor to me. She was a mentor. She was always there to help you when you needed it. She was kind. Most importantly, I could tell that she had a huge heart.
My heart goes out to her family and her friends throughout this time.
Frank Southworth
February 18, 2021
Mary was a terrific colleague at ORNL as well as a wonderful friend and neighbor in Oak Ridge. She was a very positive life force and always kind no matter the situation. Marilyn and I will always remember her and think back fondly to the time when our kids grew up together and benefitted greatly from her help and encouragement.
Missie Bowers
February 18, 2021
Mary was not only an accomplished scholar and a passionate teacher, but she was a dear friend. Having known Mary for over 30 years, I have countless memories of her humor, determination, spunk, compassion, and true kindness. Her love for her family was evident in every conversation as was her dedication to her students, colleagues, and our college. Mary's faith was visible in everything she did. Her uplifting spirit was a gift to all that knew her. She will be sorely missed by all.
Marianne Wanamaker
February 18, 2021
To know Mary was to love her. She was the very best colleague. What a privilege it was to run into her in the hallway at UT, or to serve on a committee with her. She brought love and laughter to every thing she did, and I don't think I ever once saw her cross. So many female professors in the Haslam College relied on her leadership and example when we felt weary or discouraged. And no one was more committed to the success of our students than she was. We've lost a bright light. Thank you for sharing her with us for so many years.
Thomas Goldsby
February 18, 2021
I admired Mary from afar for many years as the consummate scholar -- an astute researcher, stellar teacher, and nurturing mentor. Also, her influence in the realms of academia and practice are hard to match. She's been described as the heartbeat and, even, the mother of our program. Both are apt descriptions. It was my good fortune to join the UT family recently to witness those qualities in action at the program she loved and advanced. It is with deep respect and appreciation for her generous spirit that we extend our condolences to Mary's family, friends, and students.
Pam Donovan
February 18, 2021
I've known Mary for many years by her reputation as a leader and dedicated scholar in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. I met Mary for the first time in 2019 when I joined the UT family. She always had a smile and a kind word, even when just passing in the hallway. She was smart, funny, and went out of her way to help me. I will miss her greatly.
Michael Lindsay
February 18, 2021
I met Dr. Holcomb as a member of the 2019 Professional MBA class, and spoke with her several times during the group's trip to Argentina. We realized what a small world it really is, as I grew up on the other end of Anderson County in Lake City while she lived in Oak Ridge. I was touched by her interest in students and desire to learn more about us. She was such a blessing to us all!
Madison Hutts
February 18, 2021
Dr. Holcomb was the most passionate and engaging professor I've ever had. She had this light that just drew people in.
I've had the privilege of working alongside her these past couple months on my senior research thesis. I asked her to be my thesis advisor because I was so drawn to her spark and excitement in talking about research. Even after her surgery complications, she was still emailing me to set up Zoom meetings to discuss the research.. terribly sick but with a smile on her face!! Knowing her fighting and determined spirit, this is probably not a surprise to anyone. I finally had to stop responding to her emails so that I could force her to focus on her health -- ha, what a fighter!!
I'm so blessed to have had her as a professor, advisor, and friend. Knowing Dr. Holcomb was an absolute joy and I see so many people hold the same feeling. Praying for family and other friends during this time!
Erin Favier
February 18, 2021
Mary was such a special colleague and friend. Seeing her on the third floor of Stokely always brightened my day. We would often compare notes on hair styles and shoes - both of us sporting short blond bobs and having a great appreciation for comfortable yet stylish flats. As a colleague, Mary was kind with her requests and generous with her support and appreciation. Her reputation as a professor was well-known; students were indeed blessed by her positive attitude, caring spirit and immense knowledge of Supply Chain Management. I often thought about how energetic and spunky Mary was, wishing that I could be a bit more like her. I, and I know the entire SCM department, will miss her so very much. Much love to her family.
Celeste Carruthers
February 18, 2021
Mary was a treasured colleague and a mentor to other faculty in UT's Haslam College of Business, particularly a growing number of women who joined in recent years. I am inspired by her accomplishments and so grateful to have crossed paths with her, although, too briefly and not often enough. My condolences are with her loved ones.
Bruce Ralston
February 18, 2021
A wonderful teacher and friendly colleague. She will be missed.
Chad Autry
February 17, 2021
Mary was our most dedicated and devoted professor. Her students and colleagues adored her, and I received many notes from them each year telling me about something subtle but caring that she would do “behind the scenes” to help someone solve a problem or grow in a new way. And, she was tireless - always the first one to put her hand up to volunteer when something needed to be done. She truly embodies what it means to be a Volunteer, and we will miss her selflessness, passion, and humor greatly.
Mitch Newman
February 17, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, Dr. Holcomb was one of my all-time favorite teachers.....but as you know, she went far beyond that for so many of her students. She was a constant encouragement to me, and was always so thoughtful in how she led, taught, and instructed others. Mary helped me land my first job right out of college, where I have been for 10+ years, and where I met my wife and some of my best friends. We have 2 children of our own now, and Mary was always excited to learn about them and talk about her grandchildren with me. I have known Mary through undergrad, my MBA, and then once I came back to UT in an adjunct role, she was the first to say how proud she was. In many ways, the best parts of my life have Mary intertwined in some form of fashion of making it a reality. I will always be so thankful for her and will miss her dearly. She spoke often of her husband, children, and grandchildren, and I believe she truly glorified the Lord in her every day actions with her students, who loved her so much, and whose lives were changed for the better because of her faithfulness.
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Halloween - always a time to get together with the Loves. Even Joey dressed up!
FROM THE FAMILY
We absolutely love our time on the beach at sunset!
FROM THE FAMILY
Attending Forrest's college graduation at UAB
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary's greatest joy was her grandchildren Allison and Ansleigh.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck, Mary, Brady, Amy Bare, Darcie Holcomb
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna at Morning Star to celebrate their Halloween party with Allison dressed as Daphne from Scooby Doo!
FROM THE FAMILY
Allison caught the bouquet at Todd and Julia's Wedding in Richmond
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck and Mary - Todd and Julia Davis Wedding in Richmond
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna and Ansleigh at the beach!
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna dressed as Raggedy Ann and Ansleigh at Halloween
FROM THE FAMILY
Ansleigh taking a little nap at the beach with Nonna.
FROM THE FAMILY
Allison and Nonna making an Easter craft.
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary, Amanda Winn (niece) and Bessie Davis - Todd and Julia Davis Wedding in Richmond
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna, Mary Love and Allison all as different witches for Halloween
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck's Birthday Party cruise in Panama City Beach
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary and Amy in 1975
FROM THE FAMILY
William Collins with Mary at her first marriage
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Martha, Mary and Susan with Amy on her first trip to the beach
FROM THE FAMILY
Easter at Mamaw Collins house
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Mable Collins (Mamaw), Amy, Mary and Bessie Evans at Mary's wedding to Brady in 1980
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary made these dresses for her sisters, in the photo are Susan, Mary, Martha and Judy
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Grandma Holcomb, Amy, Mary and Kirby Holcomb and Brett's wedding in GA
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck and Mary
FROM THE FAMILY
Brady and Mary at house on Gum Hollow in Oak Ridge
FROM THE FAMILY
Another family gathering hosted by Mary
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna and Allison at her pre-K graduation at Morning Star
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Halloween - always a time to get together with the Loves. Even Joey dressed up!
FROM THE FAMILY
We absolutely love our time on the beach at sunset!
FROM THE FAMILY
Attending Forrest's college graduation at UAB
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary's greatest joy was her grandchildren Allison and Ansleigh.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck, Mary, Brady, Amy Bare, Darcie Holcomb
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna at Morning Star to celebrate their Halloween party with Allison dressed as Daphne from Scooby Doo!
FROM THE FAMILY
Allison caught the bouquet at Todd and Julia's Wedding in Richmond
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck and Mary - Todd and Julia Davis Wedding in Richmond
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna and Ansleigh at the beach!
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna dressed as Raggedy Ann and Ansleigh at Halloween
FROM THE FAMILY
Ansleigh taking a little nap at the beach with Nonna.
FROM THE FAMILY
Allison and Nonna making an Easter craft.
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary, Amanda Winn (niece) and Bessie Davis - Todd and Julia Davis Wedding in Richmond
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna, Mary Love and Allison all as different witches for Halloween
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck's Birthday Party cruise in Panama City Beach
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary and Amy in 1975
FROM THE FAMILY
William Collins with Mary at her first marriage
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Martha, Mary and Susan with Amy on her first trip to the beach
FROM THE FAMILY
Easter at Mamaw Collins house
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Mable Collins (Mamaw), Amy, Mary and Bessie Evans at Mary's wedding to Brady in 1980
FROM THE FAMILY
Mary made these dresses for her sisters, in the photo are Susan, Mary, Martha and Judy
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Grandma Holcomb, Amy, Mary and Kirby Holcomb and Brett's wedding in GA
FROM THE FAMILY
Dereck and Mary
FROM THE FAMILY
Brady and Mary at house on Gum Hollow in Oak Ridge
FROM THE FAMILY
Another family gathering hosted by Mary
FROM THE FAMILY
Nonna and Allison at her pre-K graduation at Morning Star