Mary Ella Scanlon

Mary Ella Clanton Scanlon, 88, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2015, at her home in Athens, Alabama.

She was born on October 31, 1926 in Limestone County, AL. Mrs. Scanlon was preceded in death by her husband, Ben N. Scanlon; her sons Steven Lee Scanlon and Ben N. Scanlon; her brothers William Ralph Clanton and Dr. David Kachelman Clanton; and her parents Amos Commodore and Mary Elizabeth Kachelman Clanton.

Mrs. Scanlon received her early education in the Limestone County School System, in which her parents taught and her father served as Superintendent and as a principal in several schools. She graduated from West Limestone High School in 1944. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Florence State Teachers College in 1948, at which time she met her future husband who attended Auburn University in electrical engineering. After a few years, she began a long and distinguished career teaching first grade at Tanner Elementary School and Athens Elementary School. She loved her students and remembered them all her life, speaking of them often.

She was baptized as a member of the Church of Christ where her parents were members, and she raised her children in the church and taught them to love God, live their best, and pray. Even through her last days at home, she enjoyed singing hymns, and she knew every verse to many songs. She later joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where her daughter Ginger and grandson Richard are members.

She was an amazing person who overcame many adversities. She survived early childhood polio and the deaths of three family members. In 1974, after undergoing two cranial surgeries, she learned that she could not read nor drive. Her dear friend Evelyn Harrison spent many hours teaching her to re-learn to read. Since Mrs. Scanlon could not drive her car after surgery, she decided she would ride her motor scooter to see her family in Athens, Florence, and Tennessee. Additionally, she was a cancer survivor, and her extended family agrees that she is “the strongest person we have ever known.” She also opened her home to those in need, and many people have benefited from her care.

She is survived by two daughters, Dr. Bene Scanlon Cox (Charles) and Ginger Scanlon; grandchildren Elizabeth Foster Brock, Robert Charles Cox (Sara), Kathryn Bene Cox, David James Cox; Ashli Barr Abac (Dorian), Richard Villasenor Scanlon; Mary Elizabeth Scanlon Secrease (Joseph), Bennie Neil (Trey) Scanlon III, John Daniel Scanlon; three great grandchildren, Eli Logan Secrease, Scarlett Cecellia Secrease, and Lila Grace Abac; her beloved niece and nephews, Kay Clanton Goggins, Dr. William David Clanton, and Timothy Clark Clanton.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 12, at 3:00 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 4:00 p.m. at McConnell Funeral home with Bishop Ryan Black officiating. Burial will follow at Athens City Cemetery with family members and friends as Pallbearers and former students serving as Honorary Pallbearers.

Contributions may be made to the Athens Senior Citizens Center, Southern Care Hospice of Huntsville, or the charity of your choice.

Contributions may be made to the Athens Senior Citizens Center (912 W Pryor Street; Athens, AL 35611), Southern Care Hospice (4769 Whitesburg Drive SE, Ste 202; Hunstville, AL 35802), or the charity of your choice.

McConnell Funeral Home, 1200 E Forrest St, Athens, AL 35613 has been in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 12, at 3:00 p.m. at McConnell Funeral home, and the funeral will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Bishop Ryan Black officiating.