Mary Elizabeth Clemmer Reneau

Born July 19, 1932, to John Glenn and Pearle Wilson Clemmer, Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in education, followed by a Master of Science in psychology at the University of Chattanooga. She married childhood sweetheart Paul Reneau in 1951 and they celebrated 62 years of marriage. During her working years she became an executive secretary, a licensed cosmetologist, a teacher of secondary education at Apison Elementary and Ooltewah High schools, and finally a guidance counselor at Ooltewah High. As an educator, Mary often provided clothes and extra care to students who needed it, even offering her home to some.

Mary was a lifelong Baptist and served several churches as the church pianist. She also sang in a family quartet and played the piano for many other trios and ensembles. After retiring from her service as teacher and counselor, Mary, along with husband Paul, set a globetrotting pace as missionaries, helping to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to various parts of the world, with trips to China, the Philippines, Turkey, and South America.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Deborah, husband Paul, and granddaughter Melody Reneau.

Survivors are sons, Mark Reneau and Tim Reneau (Patti); grandchildren, Charles (Sarah) (Portland, OR), Douglas (Claire) (Portland, Oregon), Michael (Julie) (Greeneville, Tennessee), and Ashley (Alexander Karram) (Boca Raton, Florida); great-grandchildren, Jesse, Miles, Addie, and Hudson Reneau (Greeneville, Tennessee), Ellie and Rory Karram (Boca Raton, Florida); sisters Vera (Gilbert) DeChanville (Le Pecq, France) and Sophia (Paul) Moore (Monticello, Florida); brother John (Belvidere, New Jersey); and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially express their heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary love, devotion, and care given to Mary in her later years by Mrs. Margaret Orr. The family thanks the dedicated individuals at Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga, and the wonderful staff at the LifeCare Center of Collegedale.

Visitation with family will be Monday August 22nd, from 5 to 8 PM at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be held 2PM Tuesday August 23rd at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Rev. David Thompson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hearth Hospice, 513 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37343 (www.hearthhospice.com).