Mary Ann Stanley, 77, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024. She was born July 9, 1947 in Nashville, Tennessee to William and Fannie Stevens. Mary Ann attended Howard High School and, shortly afterwards, married her high school sweetheart, John C. Stanley, on July 18, 1964. She and John moved to California where they lived for ten years. They returned to Nashville and then in 1986 they moved to hermitage where they raised their family.
Mary Ann was the true matriarch of the family. She was a source of strength and the rock that held the family together. Mary Ann loved to cook and was known for her many holiday gatherings. She loved to make her chicken croquettes, Reese's peanut butter fudge, cornbread dressing, and her signature dessert, banana pudding. Family was important to Mary Ann, especially spending quality time with her grandsons. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, William M. Stevens and Fannie M. Stevens; brothers Jerry Stevens, Kenny Stevens, and Tito Stevens; sisters Bessie Besson and Roxie Stevens.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband of sixty years, John C. Stanley; sons Mike Stanley (Rachael) and Jeff Stanley; grandchildren Logan Stanley and Spencer Stanley; sisters Patricia Lynn and Teresa Nyoka Rives; her special niece, Chasity Rodgers; and her treasured godson, Blaine Rodgers. Mary Ann is also survived by her decades-long confidant and the best friend she ever had, Susan Warren.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM and again, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM until time of service at the Hermitage Funeral Home, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 AM in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home with Beaux Southern, Chad Rodgers, Danny Warren, Jeff Stanley, Lee Swift, Logan Stanley, Mike Stanley, and Spencer Stanley serving as pallbearers. Blaine Rodgers will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Following the service, interment will follow in the Garden of Memories at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Stanley family at HermitageFH.com.
