Mary Frances Pless

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Mary Frances Pless. Mary Frances Pless, age 82, passed away on Sunday September 7, 2025 at Cherry Point Bay Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Havelock, NC. She was born October 10, 1942 in Pikeville, TN, to Byron Spearman Brown and Leola (Hatfield) Brown.

She graduated from Palmetto High School in 1961. She retired from EMR in Sarasota, FL in 1992.

She was preceded in death by her parents Byron and Leola Brown, brothers Taylor Brown and Buddy Brown, sister Pearl Elizabeth Evans, and husband William “Bill” Pless. She is survived by her sisters Patricia Parson, Oveta Bush, and Vivian Neelley, nephews Bill Hunter, Michael Hunter, and Richard Hunter, and nieces Michelle Carney and Sarah Bush-Norris, great nieces and nephews Maria Carney, Madilyn Carney, Asher Carney, Abigail Carney, and Charles Carney.

Mary was a member of Lantana Road Baptist Church in Crossville, TN. Mary truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and families, helping those in need, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. Mary had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way, she was always protective over her family and friends and would always make sure everyone was cared for.

Griffith-Cline Funeral Home is performing the graveside service at Gillette Cemetery in Palmetto, FL on Saturday September 27, 2025 at 10:00am.