Mary Margaret Heard, 86, standing firmly on the promises of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, began her heavenly eternal life March 16, 2018, where she was reunited with her beloved husband and her parents who preceded her.
Mary Margaret was born in Newport, Tn., the only child of John and Nelle Williams. She graduated from Newport’s Cocke County High School and chose to attend Tennessee Technical University. There she joined Tech’s Golden Eagles marching band and met a young man from Chattanooga who shared her love of music. He often would linger outside the door of her ballroom dance class on the chance of being selected to be her partner during dance practices. That partnership blossomed, and she and Don married during their college days and spent the next 64 years devoted to each other and their daughters.
After graduating with a degree in English, she and Don moved to Pensacola, Fl. while Don was on active duty with the Navy. They later moved to Nashville, where she began her career teaching kindergarten. After a few years, a job change brought them back to Chattanooga, Don’s hometown, where Mary Margaret began teaching at Red Bank Elementary School, and there she continued touching young lives for the next 27 years. Her greatest joy as an early childhood educator was teaching children to read and introducing them to the wonderful world of books.
After retirement, she and Don enjoyed traveling together. Their trips included simple Sunday afternoon drives to a regional apple orchard, trips to the beach, cruises in the Caribbean, visits to 47 of the 50 states, as well as trips abroad, with Switzerland being their favorite. As an avid reader, Mary Margaret liked to study the places to which they traveled and read stories set in interesting locales.
When no longer able to travel, her Kindle was never far from her reach. Over the years she was a member of several book clubs, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and professional sororities Kappa Delta Pi and Alpha Delta Kappa.
Saved at an early age, she loved her Lord and always enjoyed being part of an active Sunday School class, and attended worship services until she was physically unable to do so. She was currently a member of the Hall Sunday School class and Red Bank Baptist Church. She was a was past member of Northside Baptist Church and had many friends from both church homes.
Cherishing her memory are her two daughters Donna Dodson (Tom) of Chattanooga and Janelle Stevenson (Mike) of Hampton, Georgia; grandchildren Emily Stoddard, Doug Dodson, Amanda Ohnemus, Pamela Witchey, and Patricia Freeman; and seven great-grandchildren.
Her big smile and warm greetings will be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, March 21 from 1-3 p.m. at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Hwy.153 in Hixson, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m., with Dr. Fred Steelman and Rev. Bill Harvey officiating. The graveside service will follow immediately thereafter at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Hall Sunday School Class of Red Bank Baptist Church.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the many friends who brightened up her days with visits, cards and calls; the Hall Sunday School Class and the deacons and pastors of Red Bank Baptist church who visited her during and after her many hospital stays; the medical staffs at Memorial Hospital for their care; Dr. Florea, who during both Mary Margaret's and Don's illnesses, showered them with compassionate care and a loving touch; the entire staff at The Terrace on Mountain Creek; and her caregivers Ashley and Wanda.
Contributions in Mary Margaret's memory may be made to the Red Bank Baptist Church World Mission fund or the Chattanooga Food Bank.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Hwy. 153 in Hixson. Share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.