Mary Jeanette Eidson

Mary was born in Riceville, Tn. to Francis Scott Key and Lily Cordelia “Wilson” Key. She spent most of her life in Chattanooga. She was a longtime active member of the Philadelphia Baptist Church. She was active in Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Her home was open to the young people of the church who affectionately gave her the name “Granny,” because she always had their favorite goodies for them to enjoy. Mary organized and operated the church library. After her husband of 63 years passed, Mary moved to Abba’s House in Hixson and joined the Lydia Sunday School Class.

Mary graduated from Kirkman High School and Chattanooga State Beauty College. She was a bookkeeper for 37 years and an instructor of the evening classes at the Chattanooga State Beauty College. Mary was active in several civic organizations, especially Whiteside Faith Manor and the Optimers Club of Chattanooga before her retirement. At an early age, Mary became interested in southern gospel music (and it was still her favorite.).

Mary’s greatest joy was cooking and preparing for family get-togethers where she was sure to have their favorites and all her church activities.

Her survivors include a son, Ralph, of Chattanooga, two daughters, Jeanette (Richard) Elrod of Ooltewah, and Teresa (Sam) Bryant of Chattanooga and Sam’s children and grandchildren who she loved as her own. Mary’s grandchildren include Trey Lewallen of Rossville, Michelle (Jamey) Gaston of Rock Hill, S.C., Beth Chretien of Chattanooga, Chris Eidson of Atlanta, Joshua (Mandy) Eidson of Kentucky; grandchildren, Zachary Lewallen, Ross Tracy (D.J.) McCormick, Tori and Matthew Gaston of South Carolina, Emily and Lily Chretien of Chattanooga and Taylor and Shelby Eidson of Ky.; great-great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Lewallen, Alex McCormick and Landyn Buchner; a nephew, Ted Key and family of Florida, Bill Key and family of Riceville, Tn., a niece, Mildred (Teddy) Jamera and family of Michigan.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mary’s caregivers, Sherry Glover, NP, Guardian Home Health Group, Kindred Hospice, Teresa Head and Tammy Murphy for their excellent and tender care.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Ronnie Phillips, Jr. and Rev Doug Bryant officiating. Burial will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ron Phillips Ministry International (RPMI), 5208 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tennessee 37343.