Mary Stafford Truitt

Mary Eleanor Stafford Truitt passed away December 28, 2022. Born in Fayetteville Arkansas June 7, 1933, she was the daughter of John L. and Miles Stafford. Preceding her in death is her husband Lawrence E. Truitt, her brother John Miles Stafford and her grandson Andrew Morris Truitt.

Mary grew up in Springdale, Arkansas where she was a star high school basketball player and Valedictorian of her high school class. She attended the University of Arkansas and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Mrs. Truitt moved to Memphis in the mid 1950’s to pursue training as an X-ray technician and was employed in that capacity at Methodist hospital. Later in life she served as a regional Methodist lay representative to the Methodist Healthcare Board of Trustees.

In 1957 she met the love of her life Lawrence E. Truitt and married soon after; their marriage lasted for 53 years until her husband’s death in 2011.

Mary loved music and was an accomplished vocalist and pianist. She was a sought-after soloist and performed at many weddings. She also served as choir director at churches including Grace Methodist in Whitehaven and Trinity United Methodist in midtown. After her husband’s retirement they relocated to Heber Springs, Arkansas, where she was a member of First United Methodist church. Upon returning to Memphis, they joined Colonial Park United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Truitt was a pre-kindergarten teacher at Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal school in the mid to late 1970’s. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and friend. Mary was a fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and Memphis Grizzlies.

Mrs. Truitt is survived by her sister Fay Marie Johnson of Fayetteville, Ar. and her sons and daughters-in-laws, Larry (Laura) Truitt, Kelly (Sharon) Truitt. Also surviving are three grandchildren William (Kayla), Connor and Callan Truitt and 2 great grandchildren Liam and Elias.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 6th at Colonial Park United Methodist Church, 5330 Park Avenue, Memphis TN., 38119. Visitation will begin at 10:30am with the service following at 11:00am. A family graveside service will be held at a later date in Springdale, AR.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, that memorials be sent to Colonial Park United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s research hospital.