A Celebration of Life will be held for Mary on Saturday, June 19 at 11:30am at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 1pm at Whispering Waters located inside Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Dr. Mary Collins Holcomb, age 68, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Holcomb was the Gerald T. Niedert Professor, Professor of Supply Chain Management, and the Martin and Jean Mills Faculty Research Fellow at the University of Tennessee. She was also an amazing grandmother, mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend and mentor.
Mary was born on November 25, 1952 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mable Collins; son, Tim Holcomb; and brother Bill Collins (Marilyn).
Mary is survived by her husband of 40 years, Brady Holcomb; children, Amy (Sean) Bare, Dereck (Krystal) Holcomb and Darcie Holcomb; grandchildren, Allison Bare and Ansleigh Holcomb; seven siblings and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews, all whom she loved dearly.
Mary was the leader and glue that so beautifully bound the family together. She organized and hosted countless family events, always in thoughtful and caring ways. Whether the 4th of July or Christmas gatherings, she worked tirelessly to ensure those gatherings were so special to everyone. She loved her family fiercely and was the biggest cheerleader and advocate -- both personally and professionally -- for her entire family.
Mary’s nurturing spirit also extended to her students for which she gave so much as she touched many lives. Mary contributed not only to their professional development, but also to their personal experiences and growth. Even after her students graduated, she continued to be there for them regardless of the circumstances. Dr. Holcomb was truly extraordinary as a teacher and as a person!
If you would like to join in honoring Mary’s giving spirit and legacy, please see the following opportunities for contributing:
• The Dr. Mary C. Holcomb Scholarship Endowment (giving.utk.edu/holcomb) or mail checks payable to The University of Tennessee (in the memo note “Dr. Mary C. Holcomb Scholarship Endowment”) to UT Haslam College of Business 468 Haslam Business Building Knoxville, TN 37996
• Cokesbury United Methodist Church - Manna House (www.cokesbury.tv/give)
Due to Covid-19 concerns, the family will be holding a private memorial service. The family will schedule a public celebration of Mary’s life in the Spring at Berry Highland Memorial Chapel.
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