Mary Fulghum
Mary Wilson Fulghum, 95, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was welcomed into the Lord's Kingdom on February 19, 2021.
Mary was born on Aug. 13, 1925, on a farm in Monroe County, Tn., to the late Robert and Lorena Wilson of Sweetwater, Tn.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maj. George L Fulghum Jr., son, George Langley“Lang”Fulghum, III, sisters, Ruth Dunlap (Jack), Nancy Callaway(Luke), and brothers, PFC Robert Paul Wilson and Ed (Sara) Wilson.
After graduating from Sweetwater High School in 1943, Mary was employed at the Pentagon with The Military Intelligence Division of The War Department during the war; earning an Acknowledgement and Devotion to Duty Award in 1945 for her service.
Mary graduated from The University of Chattanooga in 1949 with a Batchelor of Arts degree, and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. During the early sixties, while teaching and raising three sons, she earned a Master’s in Education at the University of Chattanooga.
Mary taught art for 26 years at Brainerd Senior High School. She was a devoted teacher - always encouraging her students to explore their creative talents to the best of their abilities, many of whom went on to have careers in the field of art.
After retirement Mary spent a brief time in France with cousins and traveled throughout Europe with her sisters and their husbands. She enjoyed working in her yard, beach vacations with the family, painting - mostly watercolors, and photography. Mary devoted her time and love of art as a Docent to The Hunter Museum of American Art for many years.
Mary was active in Senior Olympics, and with and fellow retired teacher teammate Nancy Smith, travelled and competed in tennis tournaments - eventually winning a National Senior Citizens Doubles Championship.
Mary is survived by her two sons, Paul Markham“Mark” (Rhonda) Fulghum and Brad Wilson Fulghum; daughter-in-law, Sheila Fulghum, granddaughter, Mallory Smith (Greg) and two great-grandsons, Grayson and Austin Smith; grandson, Nicholas Fulghum, granddaughter, Laura Fulghum and great-granddaughter, Allison Fulghum; sister, Minnie SueLittle, and many much loved nieces and nephews, and long-time family friend, Jeff Sears.
Special thanks and appreciation to the Tapestry memory care staff at Dominion Assisted Living Hixson and Hearth Hospice.
The Reverend Robert Hartman of St. Albans Episcopal Church will conduct the graveside service on Friday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Albans Episcopal Church,7514 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Mary always possessed a wonderful spirit and a great since of humor; she was a very devoted mother and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements are by Covenant Funeral & Crematory, Crox family owned and operated.