Mary (White) Stanley

Mary Helen (White) Stanley, 86, passed away at home Tuesday, June 20, 2023. She was born on July 19, 1936 in Dumas, Arkansas to James Wesley and Beatrice White. She grew up in Memphis, attending Treadwell High School, and went on to study business at Memphis State University.

After countless trips between Memphis and Knoxville to see her sweetheart, Raye, the two tied the knot and began their lives together while Mary worked as a bookkeeper and Raye finished his chemical engineering degree at the University of Tennessee. All in good time, the couple became parents to three children: Susan, born in El Paso Carol in Memphis, and Neal, when they finally settled in Huntsville, AL.

As her kids grew older, she resumed her bookkeeping career at the local radio and TV station, as well as Aerodyne, for more than 30 years. She found working outside the home a great way to connect with many different people and enjoyed collaborating as a fun way to get things done!

Mary was also an avid gardener and, along with Raye, they created beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy with friends and family over the years. She was also an excellent Bridge player and loved documenting family history via video and photos. Every wall in her home has a snapshot of some lovely memory, vacation or goofy family photo.

Taking care of her grandchildren became her favorite way to spend time. It was priceless! She thereafter was known as “GrandMary” to Susan and Max Gurgew’s daughter, Danielle; Carol and Wayne Wright’s sons, Sam and Josh; and Neal and Misary’s daughter Ilenia and son Eli.

She was an eternal ray of sunshine within her community as well as for her family and friends. Her door was always open and she welcomed any opportunity for a chat or game of hand n foot with the grandkids. Don’t forget the cookies! Her many amazing friends were near and dear to her heart and enriched her life incredibly. Her fridge was always covered with photos and cards as a reminder of all the people she cared for and had touched.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings and her son, Neal. She will be laid to rest next to Raye and Neal at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Any memorials to the Saint Jude Children’s Hospital will be appreciated.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, June 23, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, 1306 Cannstatt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Stanley family.