Mary Markham (Wilson) Fulghum

Mary Wilson Fulghum, 95 of Chattanooga, TN. was welcomed into The Lords Kingdom on February 19, 2021.

Mary was born on August 13, 1925 - on a farm in Monroe County Tennessee - to the late Robert and Lorena Wilson of Sweetwater, TN.  

She was proceeded in death by her husband Maj. George L Fulghum Jr., son George Langley “Lang” Fulghum, III, sisters Ruth Dunlap (Jack), Nancy Callaway(Luke), and brothers PFC Robert Paul Wilson and Ed (Sara) Wilson.

After graduating from Sweetwater High School in 1943 Marywas employed at the Pentagon withThe Military Intelligence Division of The War Department during the war; earning an Acknowledgement and Devotion to Duty Award in 1945 for her service.

Mary graduated from The University of Chattanooga in 1949 with a Batchelor of Arts degree, and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. During the early sixties, while teaching and raising three sons, she earned a Master’s in Education at the University of Chattanooga. 

Mary taught art for 26 years at Brainerd Senior High School. She was a devoted teacher - always encouraging her students to explore their creative talents to the best of their abilities, many of whom went on to have careers in the field of art.  

After retirement Mary spent a brief time in France with cousins and traveled throughout Europe with her sisters and their husbands. She enjoyed working in her yard, beach vacations with the family, painting - mostly watercolors, and photography. Mary devoted her time and love of art as a Docent to The Hunter Museum of American Art for many years.

Mary was active in Senior Olympics, and with and fellow retired teacher teammate Nancy Smith, travelled and competed in tennis tournaments - eventually winning a National Senior Citizens Doubles Championship.

Mary is survived by her two sons, Paul Markham “Mark” (Rhonda) Fulghum and Brad Wilson Fulghum; daughter in law Sheila Fulghum, granddaughter Mallory Smith (Greg) and two great grandsons Grayson and Austin Smith; grandson Nicholas Fulghum, granddaughter Laura Fulghum and great granddaughter Allison  Fulghum;  sister Minnie SueLittle, and many much loved nieces and nephews, and long -time family friend Jeff Sears.

Special Thanks and appreciation to the Tapestry memory care staff at Dominion Assisted Living Hixson and Hearth Hospice.

The Reverend Robert Hartman of St. Albans Episcopal Church will conduct the graveside service Friday, March 5 at 1:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.  All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Albans Episcopal Church, 7514 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.   

Mary always possessed a wonderful spirit and a great since of humor; she was a very devoted mother and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

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