Mary Elizabeth Schenck

Born in Tampa, Fla., she was the daughter of Eunice Farris Martin and James Benjamin McDonald. Mary moved to Chattanooga prior to her marriage to Charles William Schenck. Together they raised their two children, Charles Barry and Carol Elizabeth.

While her first love was family, Mary was devoted to her career as a Certified Gemologist at M.M. Schenck Jewelers.

Her fifty-year career as a business owner and registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist Appraiser (American Gem Society) included establishing the state's first Certified Gem Identification Laboratory, serving as president of Tennessee Jewelers Association, and the Chattanooga Association of Gemology. She was a member of the Association of Women Gemologists, the Jewelers of America and served on their Vigilance Committee, and Security Alliance.

Mrs. Schenck was a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain.

Mrs. Schenck was active in the Chattanooga community, dedicating eleven years to volunteering at the Tennessee Aquarium, serving as president of Highland Plaza Merchants Association, and volunteering as a founding member of Tennessee Valley Canoe Club. Mary was active in the Pilot Club, Great Books Society and American Cancer Society; Mary led support efforts for various area women's shelters and local food banks.

In her free time, Mrs. Schenck enjoyed walking with her dog, reading widely, cultivating her garden, trout fishing in Tellico Plains, and sharing meals with family and friends.

Mrs. Schenck was preceded in death by her husband, Charles.

She is survived by her children, Barry (Jean) Schenck, Carol Elizabeth (Robert) Wagner, and her two adored granddaughters, Laura Elizabeth (Amer Ahmad) Wagner and Ava Louise (Matt McCabe) Wagner. She leaves her sister, Harriet McDonald Hill of Richmond, Va., nieces and nephews, and her special friend, Al Myers.

A family graveside service was officiated by Rev. Evelyn Harris, pastor at St. Luke's Methodist church; a memorial service at the church will be held at a later date.

Donations in Mary's memory may be sent to Saint Luke's Methodist Church, Social Circle, Chattanooga, 37415, or McKamey Animal Center, 4500 N. Access Rd, 37415, where Mary adopted her beloved dog, "Duke."

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com