Mary Joyner Gaia

Mary was an avid golfer who played many courses throughout the city and the Tri-State. In 1978 she won the First Ladies Golf Championship Tournament at Bella Vista Golf & Country Club. Five years later she was inducted into the Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for Golf.

In January 2000, on the closing day of Memphis Oaks Golf Club, operators saved the final tee time for Mary because she wanted to be the last to play the course, since she was one of the first to play when the course opened in 1964.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years Jack and their sons Jack, Jr. and Andy. She leaves behind her children Dan (Patti), Madeline (Stewart), Mike and Tim. She is also survived by her sister Helen Adamo, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to her caregivers and the team from Camellia Hospice.

Her family will receive guests for sharing and refreshments at Memphis Funeral Home 5599 Poplar Avenue on Thursday, February 19th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Rosary Prayer will begin at 6:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Friday, February 20th at 11 a.m. at St Paul Catholic Church in Whitehaven Tennessee. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memphis Funeral Home 901.725.0100