Mary Williams Cummins

Mary Evelyn (Williams) Cummins, age 99 (she was aiming for 100!) passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, September 7, 2017 at NHC Healthcare of Knoxville. Mary was born in Knoxville in 1918 to Charles Clarence and Mossie Etta Williams. She was the oldest of 7 children and grew up in Somerset KY. She graduated from Somerset High School and married the love of her life, Woodrow (Dode) Cummins in May of 1938. They were married for 51 glorious years. They were blessed with 4 children of their own – Charles (Butch), Susan Lynn, Robert (Bob), and Sara (Betsi). She was a Christian who loved the Lord and was a faithful member and worker of Fairview United Methodist Church (originally Forestdale EUB) in Knoxville for 73 years, continuing the legacy of her grandparents who joined in to establish and the build the original Forestdale Church. She served in many roles, including the Women’s Missionary Society, working in the candy apples each fall, originated the annual Harvest Supper, and helped prepare many meals for the church. Mary had many talents: with her amazing Green Thumb, she could break a twig off a plant or tree, stick it in the ground, and “Wow!”, it ALWAYS grew! She also was a wonderful baker! Her biscuits, dressing, and pie crusts were legendary. She loved to paint and write poetry and leaves behind many wonderful works to remember her by. She loved the Gaithers, playing board games, reading Jan Karon books, word games, working puzzles, playing Bingo, and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Her home was her pride and joy, and she relished sitting on the porch hearing the breeze through the pines, listening to the birds (including her own little parakeet), and hearing the whistle of the train. A city girl, the woods surrounding her home reminded her of the Smoky Mountains that she loved so much. Mary was known for her beautiful smile, even winning the Best Smile contest recently at Oakwood. Probably the best thing she was known for was her faith. She was an open book when it came to her belief and trust in God, and freely shared God’s love with everyone she met. She invited many people to church, and always welcomed visitors with open arms and a smile. Her greatest pride was her family and she was the matriarch of the Williams clan, relishing yearly family reunions in Townsend and telling old stories to new generations. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Woodrow (Dode), her sisters Charlotte and Eleanor, her brothers Bud, Bob, and Jim, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who had a great impact on her life. Those who will always love and miss her are her children Butch (Linda) Cummins, Lynn Cummins, Bob (Cathy) Cummins, Betsi (Danny) Vesser, and her sister Beverly (Earl) Gill. Grandchildren are: Andrea (Tim) Gardner, Shay (April) Smith, Cindy (Paul Michael) Stover, Kevin (Heather) Cummins, Katie (Nick) Strangis, Traci (Jeremy) Bailey, Amy (James) Ferrell, Kenny (Ashley) Brewer, and Nick Vesser. Great-grandchildren are: Logan, Megan, Molly, Justin, Jonathon, Kamryn, Easton, Jocee, Logan, Murphy June, Noah, and another little girl on the way. Special thanks to the staffs of ParkPlace Fountain City, Oakwood Senior Living, and NHC Knoxville for their loving care of our mama during her later years. We will never forget your kindness. There are so many individuals who gave of themselves in friendship and assistance, and we love you all. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 4 to 6 PM. Funeral service to follow at 6 at Mynatt’s Funeral Home in Fountain City. Family and friends will meet at 10:45 AM, Monday, Sept. 11, for the 11 AM graveside service. Rev. John Jackson will officiate. Memorial gifts may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church, 2800 Fairview St, Knoxville, TN 37917. Condolences for Mary’s family may be expressed online at www.mynattfh.com. Mynatt Funeral Home, 2829 Rennoc Road, Knoxville, TN 37918. 865-688-2331