Mr. & Mrs. Rule were my Sunday school teachers at Immanuel Baptist Church.  She was one of the kindest ladies I ever knew.  Later in life she became friends with my Mother(Mary Palmer) and was so good to her.  Sending condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
Caroline Palmer Bradshaw

Mrs. Rule had a great impact on me as I was growing up in Immanuel Baptist Church. I observed her and Mr. John Rule as they raised their sons, filled leadership positions, and served in the church. She and a few other adults cared about teenagers enough to help us learn through retreats, fellowships, and games. I appreciated her friendship as I grew into adulthood, though I never got to see her much after I married and moved away. I celebrate her life and pray for you, her family, in your loss. May God comfort you and bless you through good memories. 

Gail and I  wish to express our condolences  to  your family during this time of sorrow . Gail said that your mother and her mother were good friends at Young High and were close to the same age . I'm  glad to have met your mother at our last Chorus Concert at Greystone to honor Mays . She was a very sweet lady . We wish God's peace for you both . Mike & Gail Maples

I will forever hold a special place in my heart for a wonderful lady.We met at a time that was be one of the hardest but turned it into something special a friendship We would talk and laugh while the chemo was flowing into our veins.The nurses that worked there at Thompson Caner Center would call the place we always sat the party corner.I will forever miss our phone calls over the last 12 1/2 years.RIP my friend Job well done❤

Mike,

Prior to the time I met and became friends with you and your family, I was golfing buddies with your father, John.  It was through him that our friendship began.  We’ve spent many days together golfing and fishing over the years, haven’t we?

My wife, Marie, and I became friends with John and Mary Elizabeth through the years of membership at Immanuel Baptist Church.  Mary Elizabeth was always one to remember special events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions, and very few of those events passed by where we didn’t receive a greeting card from her commemorating those special times.  One time, she sent a photo through the mail that showed a Vacation Bible School Class @ Immanuel where Marie & I were helpers in the class – one of the children pictured in the class was Mike’s daughter, Laura.  Marie & I enjoyed that photo a great deal.

Mike, it was only one week before Mary Elizabeth passed away that we were at her house while you were clearing brush away from her yard.  I was standing next to the house, watching you do all the work, and Mary Elizabeth was talking to me from an open window.  She called me a couple of days later, thanking me for helping you clear out her yard, even though I’m sure she knew that I wasn’t really doing anything other than offering moral support.

This is a difficult time, I know, and all of us will miss Mary Elizabeth.  I just want you to know how much I cherish the friendship of you and your family. 

Orvid Roberts


Betty and I have wonderful memories of Mary Elizabeth and John when we were at Immanuel!! Our prayers and sympathy are with you and for you during these days in particular and the days that follow!! May you know and feel God's presence and comfort .

Barbara Lillard sends condolences for your loss. We will remember your family in prayers. 

Mary Elizabeth, oh you will be missed by so many....your family and friends were in your thoughts and heart always. You accepted me as though we had been friends forever, yet our only real tie was my father, John's cousin, and my mother. We chatted as though we had known each other over many years and all the memories of our family and the ties we shared, when in actuality it was only 2009. You were so excited to find your favorite pictures and send copies to me for a family history book I am working on.  May our Lord hold your family closely as they grieve, but also knowing that you are with your beloved John. 

Aunt Libby was a very loving person whom we loved to be around. We learned about grace from her steadfast example of perseverance in the face of obstacles, wisdom gained from a life well-lived, and a genuine spirit of care for our family.
Although she will be missed, she exemplifies the kind of profound presence that does not fade - full of sophisticated elegance sustained with abiding love.

Mary Elizabeth and John were such special friends to my mother and daddy for many, many years.  I always enjoyed seeing them and was so glad they were family friends.  I will always remember Mary Elizabeth for her loving heart and beautiful spirit.  May God bless you all with peace and comfort.  Love, Patti Brabham

Mike and Tim,  so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.  Mary Elizabeth was such a sweet Christian lady..always kind.  I have such fond memories of her at Immanuel.  May GOD comfort you and give you peace.

Mike, Tim & family,
We are so very sorry for this great loss for your family.  Your family took such wonderful care of your mom.  We know she will be so missed, but it is such a comfort to know she is with loved ones in Heaven.  We send prayers and hugs to all of you during this difficult time.  
Much love,
Jack & Debbie Carr

She is always such a sweet lady.We loved seeing here at church always had a smile on her face and a gentle word to say.
We will be praying for your family

Mary Elizabeth was a special lady.  When she and John were going out for a business dinner or just dinner  for the two of them, I felt priviledged to be called on to "baysit" with "the boys" and you know there wasn't much difference in our ages,  We played  games, ate popcorn and generally had a great time until it was time for John to take me home.  Cherish both their memories as they are together again. These are the times to sit down  and remember (and most of all to laugh)  when you remember and share with each other stories that bring a tear to your eyer or even laugh out loud at things you did.....I will never forget them. Love and prayers for all of the family.                                                 
  Wayne & Joye (Jackson) Baker,

Mike,
How wonderful to have your mother for all these years. My mom will be 89 on her next birthday this month. Such a blessing. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family. 
Susan Dozier Swicegood

Tim, I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Unfortunately I never met her but it’s evident she was a true role model, mentor and hero to those who knew and loved her. May you find peace and comfort in your loving memories and many life-lessons you were so blessed to share with her.  Anita McGill Cash 

She was one in a million and a literal angel on earth.  You are so lucky to have been a part of her life and and what a gift for the family to know that she was a blessing to everyone she met!  She left you here to carry on her legacy.  Love you all. Greg and Angie 

Mike and Tim---I am so sorry to see your moms obit.  You ALL were so special and I have great memories of our days at Immanuel.  Hope you all are doing well.  You are in our prayers during this hard time.   
we are retired and living in Maryville.       Gary Baker

Mary, I met you in 2003 , we seemed to bond immediately... we shared Christmas cards and stories over the years. Today, I saw your name in my address book to write you a card. Some inner voice said you were gone.... 

You’re home now , you no longer need a Christmas greeting, because you’re greeting the Christ...no longer the babe in the manger, but the one who just welcomed you home.

I love you now and always...see you up there!
Wanda

OBITUARY

Mary Elizabeth Rule

March 21, 1926 – December 7, 2020

Berry Funeral Home

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