Mary East
Mary Edna Prophater Frost East, 79, of Rossville, Georgia, passed away on March 28, 2022.
As a native Chattanoogan, Mary Edna spent much of her life in and around the Chattanooga area. She graduated from Central High School and also attended Columbia State Community College, while living in that area.
In 1962, she married Arnold Emmet Frost – a draftsman, by trade, and a Church of Christ minister, at heart. They had four children, Merri Mai, Gene, Cherri and Lora Lee. Mary Edna once proclaimed that raising those children was her greatest accomplishment. Arnold left this earth over 20 years ago and Mary Edna’s path was fortunate to cross that of another Church of Christ minister, Lewis David East, about 10 years later. They married and celebrated 112 monthly anniversaries, as if each month had been a full year.
A lover of music, Mary Edna taught piano and also performed seamstress duties, as she raised her children. It was not until all of her kids were grown that she finally accepted an employment position outside of the home, with AAA Courier, which led to an administrative job with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, where she retired, when her division closed.
Devout in her religious beliefs, much of Mary Edna’s time was spent in church activities. However, she continued to sew and play the piano for as long as she was able.
She was preceded in death by her father, Herman Prophater, and her mother, Mary Frances Garner Prophater.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Mary Edna is survived by her husband, David, and two brothers, Gene Prophater (Betty) of Rossville, and David Prophater (Renee) of Nashville.
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 4, from 10:30 a.m.–noon at East Ridge Church of Christ, 951 McBrien Road.
A funeral service will follow at noon with Minister Charles Cochran officiating.
Please share your memories and express condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171.