Mary was born in Guild, Tn. on October 12, 1946, the baby of four daughters born to Barney and Eunice (Gibson) Lee. Mary graduated from Marion County High School in 1964 and went on to earn her BS from Lee (College) University in Secretarial Science in 1968. Mary was extremely proud to be a Lee University graduate. She kept a drawing of the University on her wall until the day of her death. In her closet hung her Lee University t-shirt. Mary took great pride in being a Lee University Alumnus.

While in college, Mary worked during the Christmas seasons for Abe Shaven Hardware Co. in accounts receivables. After graduation from Lee University, Mary's first job was with Vance Iron and Steel. Mary's position was secretary to the purchasing agent. This job laid the foundation for her employment with Ryerson Steel where Mary worked until her retirement. During Mary's tenure with Ryerson Steel, she progressed through the company from assistant switchboard operator, accounts receivable, metal claims and onto inside sales. Mary was a pioneer on the steel sales floor where women were not traditionally seen. She was the first female to achieve this position in the Chattanooga area. She earned many awards for her achievements at Ryerson Steel.

Mary surrendered her heart to Jesus when she was 8 years old at the Whiteside Church of God. She joyfully lived out her faith until her last breath. For the past two years Mary lived at Morning Pointe Assisted Living. During her final week of life, the staff told countless stories of how Mary witnessed to and prayed with them. Mary was a woman of great influence. Mary's favorite scripture is found in Proverbs 3: 5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not into thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths."

Mary established her residence in East Ridge buying a house across the street from her sister and brother in law, Fran and E.J. Varner. Upon her move to East Ridge, Mary transferred her church membership from the Whiteside Church of God to the Spring Creek Church of God where Fran and E.J. were members. Mary served faithfully with her attendance and gave of her talents through singing solos, singing on the praise team and in the church choir. She was affectionately known as one of "Bennie's Jets" on the praise team. Additionally, Mary was awarded the designation of Choir Member of the Year. Mary served as the church clerk under then Pastor Bennie Mills for and did an outstanding job. Mary was a gifted Bible teacher teaching both Sunday School and Discipleship classes. Truly, whatever Mary did, she "did it as unto the Lord".

Mary loved reading, gardening, journaling and traveling. Journaling was her lifeline and she kept boxes of her journals sitting by her chair. Mary was adventurous and never turned down an opportunity to travel! She traveled to Hawaii multiple times, traveled to all of the New England states as well as Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Canada. She traveled to Israel with friends from the Spring Creek Church led by Dr. Raymond Hodge and Gale. She visited Japan as the guests of Dr. Butch Varner and Jenny. She enjoyed cruising as well. Mary, Fran, E.J. and her nephew Sam were a traveling foursome. After Sam and Donna married, Mary took many trips with them before her health deteriorated.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Eunice (Gibson) Lee; sister and brother in law Frances and E.J. Varner; brothers in law Charles Myers and Edward Grimes; twin brothers Richard Lee and Douglas Lee

She is survived by her sisters Mildred Elizabeth Lee and Betty June (Myers) Grimes of East Ridge; nephews Richard Myers (Sandy), Samuel Myers, (Donna), Dr. Butch Varner (Jenny), and niece Marilyn Wilson (Calvin).

Mary leaves behind her dearest and closest friend since college, Jerry Gillilan as he continues to fight his own battle with Parkinson's Disease.

The family would like to thank Dr. Siobhan Duff and Dr. Ellen Valadez for their unwavering care for Mary as she battled many long years of Parkinson's Disease. We thank Mike Eden for his crucial advisory role and long term friendship with Mary. We thank Charles Stephens for the countless acts of kindness he showed to Mary and to the family. His gentle but commanding voice was always music to Mary's ears.

We appreciate all the visits made from Pastor Lane Davis and Carol and former pastor Bennie Mills and Joyce . Thank you to Rhonda Broome for the many hours she sat with the family during Mary's last two weeks of life. Even though Mary was unable to respond much of the time, we know she felt the presence of each one of you and benefited from your words, songs and prayers.

Thank you to Tammy and Doyle Johnson for nightly hot meals to nourish our bodies after very long days and for baking treats for Mary's sister Mildred to enjoy while the family concentrated on Mary's care.

To Mary's church family we sincerely thank you for the countless prayers, calls, cards and words of encouragement over the past few years. Mary loved her church family with all of her heart and was very proud of her home church.

To the staff of Morning Pointe Assisted Living at 7719 Shallowford Rd, the family extends our heartfelt appreciation for the tender and loving care shown to Mary during the final week of her life and for the care and concern given to her family. The staff was truly angelic in their handling of Mary showering her with love, kisses and tears as they tenderly cared for her every need. Mary nor her family could have been treated any better.

Mary's final gift to suffering humanity was her request to donate her brain to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Brain Endowment Bank. Her desire was to make a difference in the life of others suffering from Parkinson Disease.

Mary's Celebration of Life will be held June 14th, Sunday. Visitation 3:00; Service 4:00 at the Spring Creek Church of God, 1005 Spring Creek Rd., East Ridge TN 37412.

Mary requested a celebration of singing praises unto the Lord at her memorial service. Thank you to Roselyn and Roy Young, the Spring Creek Church Choir and Robert Alley for honoring her request.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spring Creek Church of God Building Fund at 1005 Spring Creek Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.