Mrs. Mary Frances (McLeod) Lee

Mary Frances Lee passed away on Monday October 24, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Stone, Jr.; and second husband, Terry Lee. She is survived by her daughters, Heather Stone Jennings and Laura Blakeney Stone of Knoxville, TN; son-in-law L. Layne Jennings; granddaughter Emma J. Jennings; sisters-in-law Frances Stone of Atlanta, GA, Barbara Koenig of Arizona, and Lois McLeod of North Carolina.

Mary Frances Lee was born Mary Frances McLeod in Durham, NC. As a child, she enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping with family. Mary Frances loved the mountains and always showed respect and appreciation for all animals and wildlife. She also enjoyed gardening and tending to her bird feeders. She was especially fascinated by hummingbirds and spoke fondly of examples of her father-in-law’s love of birds as well as squirrels! She helped create many wonderful family memories; for example, she and Bob took their children on several family hiking trips through the Smoky Mountains. She had a generous spirit and was welcoming to everyone. Mary Frances loved Jesus and set examples of this throughout her life. She stayed involved with Trinity United Methodist Church, where she was an active member for many years. She also helped instill in her daughters a love and appreciation for music from a young age. Her joy in helping and working with others, especially with children, was always evident. She participated in several church mission trips and activities. Mary Frances loved spending time with her family and friends, and she had a great sense of humor, which those around her couldn’t help but share. Mary Frances has often been described as a social butterfly, and she never met a stranger, as the expression goes.

Mary Frances received her Undergraduate degree from Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College) in religious studies and went on to earn her Teaching Certification from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She was passionate about the importance of education and opportunities for learning, especially for children. Mary Frances lived by this example. Perhaps inspired by having attended college near a beach, she also loved lighthouses: Mary Frances really was like a beacon of light to all who knew her. A Celebration of life service will take place at Trinity United Methodist Church in Knoxville on Saturday November 19th at 3PM with a visitation prior at 2PM.