Mary Carolyn Wallace Morgan

Nashville – Mary Carolyn Wallace Morgan passed away peacefully on July 1, 2023. Born on October 22, 1933 in Evanston, Illinois, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-five years, Richard Leo Morgan; her parents, Glenna Mary Cockman Wallace Huskey and William Roscoe Wallace and her sister, Janet Lee Wallace Konig.

She is survived by her children, William Latham Morgan (Gabriele and step-daughter, Anna Lidzba) of Suwanee, GA; Patricia Morris Morgan Carswell (Benjamin) of Nashville and their daughter, Mary Lindley Carswell of Nashville; Alice Glenna Morgan White (Darrell) of Gainesville, GA, and their sons; Morgan Southerland White (Logan) of Duluth, GA; Jordan McEver White of Franklin,TN; and John Randolph White of Gainesville, GA. She is also survived by her sister, Jane Ellyn Wallace Branch (William) of Bridgewater, Virginia and their two sons and families and her brother-in-law, David C. Konig of Hermitage and his stepson and family.

Mary attended The University of Richmond where she studied Latin. Mary was introduced to Richard by his mother in 1953 during a summer stay in North Carolina. In 1955, Mary and Richard were married in Jacksonville, Florida where Mary’s parents retired. Mary and Richard moved to Chapel Hill and Mary worked to support her new husband as he earned his MBA from the University of North Carolina. Some of her fondest memories were from their time in Chapel Hill. She became a loyal Tar Heels fan and it was from Chapel Hill that her husband began his 33-year career, as an executive with Sears, Roebuck and Co. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She gave of herself unselfishly to each community in which she lived, moving several times during her husband’s career with the longest and most meaningful time spent in Spartanburg, SC. In 1991, Mary and Dick retired to Nashville to be with family.

Throughout her motherhood, Mary led scout troops, chaired countless philanthropic endeavors and served on church and school committees. She never missed a child’s school activity or sporting event and often organized the parents. She cared for her home with great attention and offered hospitality to everyone. She valued her friendships greatly.

Mary was a prolific reader and made sure her young children had library cards, encouraging frequent trips to the library. Even late in life, Mary visited multiple Nashville libraries several times each month. In both Spartanburg and Nashville, Mary tutored adults in English as a second language at a library branch. She was a marvelous conversationalist especially on the topics of politics, history and sports and she encouraged long dinner conversations with her children each evening on a variety of subjects.

In Nashville, Mary was a member of the Centennial Club and the Highland Garden Club. She was a member of P.E.O. and served as a Deacon and as Moderator of Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church. One of her first volunteer efforts at First Presbyterian Church was to chair the New Member Committee. Given her many moves in the early years of her marriage she knew how important it was to make others feel welcome.

Mary’s greatest accomplishment was her devotion to her marriage, especially during the last 10 years of her husband’s life as he suffered from countless illnesses. She managed every aspect of his care demonstrating commitment and unselfishness to her children and grandchildren. To her last day, she expressed gratitude for her salvation, her husband, her three children, her extended family and for all those who loved her. Mary was devoted to her Christian faith, her family and her country. Her faith guided her actions and her actions were her testimony.

The family offers its sincere gratitude to the numerous friends, family and staff of Woodcrest at Blakeford who cared so deeply for Mary in her last months. Additional thanks to the staff and residents of The Saint Paul whose support enabled Mary to live independently until her time at Woodcrest at Blakeford.

The family will host a visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 14th at The Cheek House at First Presbyterian Church Nashville followed by a memorial service at 2:00 in the Church Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 4185 Franklin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37220 or to The Nashville Public Library Foundation, 615 Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37219.

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