Mary Elizabeth Claiborne Rule of Seymour passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 having been a blessing to so many lives during her 94 years. She was the youngest daughter of Horace and Amanda Claiborne. Upon graduation from Young High School in 1944, she attended the University of Tennessee. She was employed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory during the early years of World War II. After being invited on a blind date to a church picnic, she met the love of her life, John V. Rule. They married in 1945 and enjoyed a lifelong partnership of 63 years. Together they raised two sons, John Michael and Timothy Dennis. After early years as a home-maker, she re-entered the business world and enjoyed many years of employment with East Tennessee Eye Care Clinic. She was passionate about many causes. Her service to others included teaching in both her church as well as a substitute teacher in area schools, delivering mobile meals, mentoring young women, and dedicating 47 years to Al-Anon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John, her sister Grace Tooley Silliman, and her lifelong friends Kathleen Tucker and Ethel Gervin. She is survived by son Mike and wife Janis, and son Tim; grandchildren Kristi and husband Walt Reynolds, and Laura and husband Doug Snapp; great-grandchildren Emily and husband Dan Pemble, Shelby Reynolds, and Olivia Snapp; her lifelong friend Beryl Knight, and special friend Lois Ellis. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 14, 2020 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00pm in Berry’s Chapel with Dr. Stan Rushing officiating. Family and friends will gather for a graveside service on Tuesday at 3:00pm at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, in South Knoxville. The family will stream the Celebration of Life and graveside services live through the Berry Funeral Home Facebook page. We honor and celebrate the life of a lady who gave so much to so many. She will be greatly missed. The family invites friends to share fond memories and sign the online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
