Mary Jane was born in West Nashville to the late Samuel Hunt and Ellen (Barnes) Hunt. She was the 9th of what would make up "The 10 Hunt Sisters". They had a lifetime of fun together, playing pranks, social gatherings, reunions, travels and dinner parties. Preceding her in death are sisters; Mozelle Shipe, Virginia Hunt, Billie Sue Hunt, Clara Green, Earline Tillman, Margaret Graham, Allie Mae Lankford, Peggy Murphy, and one surviving sister, Lois Shrader.
Mary Jane was a graduate of Cohn High School, class of 1951, where she participated in the Drama Club and was voted Miss. Congeniality her senior year. In July of 1952, she was married to Charlie Elbert Strong Jr., also of West Nashville, where they both grew up going to school together. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this summer. Mary Jane and Charlie have been 30+ year retired residents at the Brentwood Country Club, after consistent job relocating internationally, and domestically for many years.
Together they had three children; Vickie Kane (spouse, Joe), Sam Strong, and Shelley Mondelli. Mary Jane was also the proud Grammy of six grandchildren; Kristy Mondelli, Joey Kane (spouse, Jenna), Valerie Steele (spouse, Logan), Charlie Kane, Sarah Kane, and Julia Mondelli. Her first great-grandchild (a girl) will be born September 2020.
Mary Jane was a lifelong member of West Nashville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was a true southern lady; a loving sister, doting wife, hands-on mother, and proud Grammy. Always prim and proper, and never leaving the house without "getting ready". MJ was a part of the Ladies 9 Hole Group, and active in the neighborhood Bridge Club for many years. She traveled the world with Charlie, loved vacations with family and friends, and seeing her grand-kids at their sporting events. We can say with confidence, she never turned down a dessert, went to the beauty parlor same day, same time, every week, and loved a good shopping day at the Green Hills mall.
What we will all miss the most is the laughter she brought us (at her expense), saying outrageous things, making up stories, cheating during Yahtzee (every time), and her little side winks and love pats she'd give us at random. Mary Jane graciously handled Alzheimer's Disease with as much poise and dignity as one could- but not without the help of her husband, Charlie- taking care of her and spending every moment by her side. They have had the greatest love story, and she will always be his bride.
Mary Jane will be laid to rest at one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville. Family and Friends are invited to join the Graveside Service, while maintaining social distancing in groups or 10 of less due to the COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of Tennessee at alztennessee.org
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