The daughter of Vally and Kate Elam, Mary was born on March 1, 1930, in Index, Kentucky. On Feb. 5, 1949, she married the love of her life, Gilbert Lee Larison, who survives.
Mary was poised and beautiful with quiet strength and a firm resolve she attributed to her deep faith. She and Gilbert started their life of faith at Merriman Road Baptist Church in Garden City, Michigan. Over the years, she was actively involved in several churches, including Calvary Baptist Church in Kokomo, and was a longtime member of Psalms Bible study.
Her love for Gilbert and her family was matched only by her love for music. Mary taught her children and grandchildren to sing, and filled their home with the sounds of gospel and country. Wherever she was, there was a sweet melody not far behind. When her grandsons were old enough, she brought them on stage to perform as a family.
She is preceded in death by her parents; three sons, Jeffrey Len, Larry Douglas, and Joel Douglas Larison; five sisters; and 2 brothers.
She is survived by her husband, Gilbert; her daughter-in-law, Donna; grandsons Joel (Meghan) and Drew (Erin) Larison; and two great-grandchildren, Elianna and Jude.
Friends may visit from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday Jan. 21, 2019, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow. Online condolence may be left at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
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