Mary Rebecca Cherry

Mary Rebecca Thompson Cherry, who was born on January 7, 1944, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on October 9, 2024, after a brief illness. Mary Becca was the oldest child of DeWitt Clinton Thompson, III, and Diana Roberts Thompson, who are both deceased. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Diana Thompson Finlayson (Reid), Charles William Cherry, Jr. (Kelli), and Elizabeth Cherry Barrett (Charles). Other survivors include her brother DeWitt Thompson, IV (Jackie), her sister Diana Thompson, her sister Carolyn Thompson Beckner (Jim), and her eight grandchildren: Olivia Judson Finlayson, Caroline Stewart Cherry, Claire Margaret Cherry, Aden Elizabeth Barrett, Diana Katherine Barrett, Evelyn Thompson Barrett, John William Barrett, II, and Sara Collins Barrett. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mary Becca was an alumna of Harpeth Hall School and Vanderbilt University. In her youth she was active in horseback riding, swimming, diving, and tennis. Influenced by her father’s interest in aviation, Mary Becca took flying lessons and made her solo flight at the age of 16. As an adult, for many years she taught small children how to swim. She continued to enjoy playing tennis and followed the sport well into her eighth decade. Inspired by her maternal grandmother, Rebecca Roberts, she became an excellent seamstress, and her knitted items were beautiful. Such talent was evident in many impressive creations for her children and grandchildren. Mary Becca was always supportive of her children and their many varied activities, and later, she became enthralled by her grandchildren. She thoroughly enjoyed their companionship and carefully followed their growth and development over the last twenty plus years.

There will be a memorial service for the family in late November. The family greatly appreciates the attention and care provided to Mary Becca by Dr. Judson Rogers and Dr. Denise Yardley. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Family Medical Clinic or First Presbyterian Church.