Mary Epperson Wyatt

Mary was an educator professionally and at heart. Whether as a mother, grandmother, classroom teacher, school administrator, church volunteer, or caring friend, she passionately poured herself and her wealth of knowledge into the lives of countless children and adults of all ages.

Mary, a graduate of Davidson High School in Mobile, graduated with her Master's Degree in Education from Samford University in 1982. She was a teacher in the Shelby County, Alabama Schools System for several years, retiring after 10 years as principal at Creekview Elementary School.

Mary was a member of the Samford University Orlean Beeson School of Education Dean’s Advisory Board for 11 years and was Chair for the past 3 years. She was an inaugural recipient in 2015 of the Learning for Life Award to honor outstanding Samford Education Alumni. Her many community involvements earned her the honor to serve on the Women's Committee of 100 for Birmingham.

Mary loved life, and she loved learning - earning extra college degrees while raising two children, reading hundreds of books for her own knowledge and pleasure, involving herself in making things better for all from the janitor to the CEO, feeding and caring for animals of all kinds, caring for a wide variety of plants in her own yard, and quilting and sewing beautiful antique dresses for children.

Most of all, however, Mary loved her Lord and her family! She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman, "vigorously watching over the affairs of her household" with no desire for idleness. When she wasn't volunteering at her home church, Dawson Baptist in Homewood, AL, her post-retirement years were devoted to sewing for her grandchildren, serving as their most enthusiastic cheerleader at school events, and going on shopping adventures with them.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Joel Vaughn Epperson and Etta Deakle Epperson, and her son, John Gary Wyatt. Survivors include Mary's husband of 53 years, Gary C. Wyatt; her daughter, Jennifer Wyatt; grandchildren, Etta Cate and Wyatt Carter, and Mary Evelyn and Vivi Rose Crenshaw; one sister, Susie Dubose (Rex); and one brother, Joel Epperson (Barbara).

The family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Dawson Baptist Church in Homewood, AL, followed by A Service of Remembrance for Mary at 11 a.m. at the church's main sanctuary. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, AL. Dr. Gary Fenton will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Mary Elizabeth Wyatt Scholarship Fund, Orlean Beeson School of Education, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229.